tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25356986750459865692019-04-24T13:53:31.895-07:00Outspoken & FreckledKellee writes about classic film, family and life... all with a sassy Irish attitude and a flair for whimsy.Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-53533491315805320852015-01-08T17:30:00.000-08:002015-01-08T17:30:35.480-08:00Outspoken & Freckled has Moved to WordPress!This is just a friendly reminder that if you are reaching this, I (Kellee of Outspoken &amp; Freckled) have moved over to a WordPress account. You can find all of these fun posts and so much more at <a href="http://kelleepratt.com/">http://kelleepratt.com</a><br /><br />Thanks again to all my fabulous followers and I hope to see you soon!<br /><br />...KelleeIrish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-10044521605667905142014-05-16T19:41:00.001-07:002014-05-16T19:41:41.220-07:00The BILLY WILDER Blogathon<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This is all about Billy Wilder. The great.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/billy-sits.jpg" href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/billy-sits.jpg"><img alt="billy sits" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1340" data-mce-src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/billy-sits.jpg" src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/billy-sits.jpg" height="300" width="234" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Beginning his screenwriting career in 1929 Germany, Wilder would make a definitive mark on Hollywood from behind the camera, both by way of his his pen and later as a premier director. Films written by or directed by Billy Wilder continue to spark debate and adoration to this day thanks to his sharp wit and memorable imagery. Wilder directed only 27 films yet stands among an elite group of seven directors who have won Best Picture, Director and Screenplay Oscars.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/oscars-billy.jpg" href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/oscars-billy.jpg"><img alt="oscars billy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1342" data-mce-src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/oscars-billy.jpg" src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/oscars-billy.jpg" height="254" width="199" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">These may be mere numbers contrived from opinion, but they are nonetheless impressive: Five Billy Wilder films are listed on the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of 100 Funniest Movies of all time: Some Like It Hot (1959) is listed at #1, The Apartment (1960) at #20, The Seven Year Itch (1955) at #51, Ninotchka (1939) at #52 and Ball of Fire (1941) at #92. Four Wilder films are on the AFI list of 100 Greatest Movies of all time: Sunset Blvd. (1950) at #16, Some Like It Hot (1959) at #22, Double Indemnity (1944) at #29 and The Apartment (1960) at #80. And perhaps most astonishing - when one considers his mere 27 films - is the fact that Wilder directed fourteen different actors in Oscar-nominated performances.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Now, putting all stats and numbers aside, what makes Billy Wilder one of the greatest directors who ever lived is not reflected on a list nor is it illustrated by his numerous awards, but rather by his enduringly entertaining filmography. A Wilder film grabs the viewer from the opening shot and always leaves a lasting impression because a Wilder ending is always memorable.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">For all of those reasons and because we're 'girls gone Wilder', Aurora of&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://aurorasginjoint.com" href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>&nbsp;and I -Kellee (@Irishjayhawk66) of <a href="https://kelleepratt.com/">Outspoken &amp; Freckled</a>- are beside ourselves with excitement to announce The Billy Wilder Blogathon. This will be a one-day event to celebrate this master’s work on what would have been the 108th anniversary of his birth on June 22. And we hope you are willing and able to join the celebration.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/swanson-w-billy-big.jpg" href="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/swanson-w-billy-big.jpg"><img alt="swanson w billy big" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1343" data-mce-src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/swanson-w-billy-big.jpg?w=250" src="http://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/swanson-w-billy-big.jpg?w=250" height="300" width="250" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: white;">E</span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">ntries can be anything Wilder related - commentaries on his films or television work, created by his pen or from his place behind the camera. You choose, blog and post and we'll be sure to enjoy it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And now the usual drill...</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Participants:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Let us know which Billy Wilder film or TV program you’d like to dedicate a post to. Choose from any he wrote, directed or produced.</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Post your entry by June 22 so we can properly promote it in celebration of his birthday.</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Be sure to include the title of your blog, twitter tag, etc. or any information that would assist us in identifying your page and facilitate communication.</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Please post one of the event banners on your site and in your entry to help us promote the Wilder love.</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Have fun! It's sure to be a Wilder time!</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">“Some pictures play wonderfully to a room of eight people. I don't go for that. I go for the masses. I go for the end effect.”</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">... this intro post was lovingly written by co-host Aurora</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Following is the complete gallery of banners for this event. All were conceived, designed and delivered by Kellee...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdpm612q8AU/U3bGGDm7R5I/AAAAAAAADEU/1UoZtQfkYII/s1600/kirk+with+billy+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdpm612q8AU/U3bGGDm7R5I/AAAAAAAADEU/1UoZtQfkYII/s1600/kirk+with+billy+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeI2UTf4PR4/U3bGQCKGbLI/AAAAAAAADEc/0Ec4smodQZ0/s1600/kirk+with+billy+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeI2UTf4PR4/U3bGQCKGbLI/AAAAAAAADEc/0Ec4smodQZ0/s1600/kirk+with+billy+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BGNBMFXssc/U3bGcJesZJI/AAAAAAAADEk/g9zFp9NovJ8/s1600/jack+and+billy+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BGNBMFXssc/U3bGcJesZJI/AAAAAAAADEk/g9zFp9NovJ8/s1600/jack+and+billy+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq87cz9ZdQ/U3bGjiS8TXI/AAAAAAAADEs/18YE6UqR8Yo/s1600/jack+and+billy+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq87cz9ZdQ/U3bGjiS8TXI/AAAAAAAADEs/18YE6UqR8Yo/s1600/jack+and+billy+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kY8UUWORkA/U3bG0iw1wyI/AAAAAAAADE0/cygvmjhRHoo/s1600/dbl+indemnity+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kY8UUWORkA/U3bG0iw1wyI/AAAAAAAADE0/cygvmjhRHoo/s1600/dbl+indemnity+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlf34V7N4I/U3bHDhxFOiI/AAAAAAAADE8/YAfkSUX6IDU/s1600/dbl+indemnity+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlf34V7N4I/U3bHDhxFOiI/AAAAAAAADE8/YAfkSUX6IDU/s1600/dbl+indemnity+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aG_wPoIL3iU/U3bHmEna8HI/AAAAAAAADFE/y3Guxnp2Oqw/s1600/shirley+and+billy+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aG_wPoIL3iU/U3bHmEna8HI/AAAAAAAADFE/y3Guxnp2Oqw/s1600/shirley+and+billy+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS-TURuQP6k/U3bIAMQRJBI/AAAAAAAADFM/wZhpxBr5M5o/s1600/shirley+and+billy+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS-TURuQP6k/U3bIAMQRJBI/AAAAAAAADFM/wZhpxBr5M5o/s1600/shirley+and+billy+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CM7hZSKjoQ/U3bIKATX2rI/AAAAAAAADFU/8IxOdFY-h1M/s1600/some+like+it+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CM7hZSKjoQ/U3bIKATX2rI/AAAAAAAADFU/8IxOdFY-h1M/s1600/some+like+it+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYwxP_-KBsA/U3bIWD1j75I/AAAAAAAADFc/mgByJ8tV97Y/s1600/some+like+it+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYwxP_-KBsA/U3bIWD1j75I/AAAAAAAADFc/mgByJ8tV97Y/s1600/some+like+it+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mupwS5zSDTs/U3bIhof7soI/AAAAAAAADFk/wTz73gLMlxA/s1600/swanson+w+billy+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mupwS5zSDTs/U3bIhof7soI/AAAAAAAADFk/wTz73gLMlxA/s1600/swanson+w+billy+big.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8ZQW_refgA/U3bIxQk4eiI/AAAAAAAADFs/gzixt8AQgZM/s1600/swanson+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8ZQW_refgA/U3bIxQk4eiI/AAAAAAAADFs/gzixt8AQgZM/s1600/swanson+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56Tm9_PvR9o/U3bI9LioznI/AAAAAAAADF0/ap20MBiB1lI/s1600/wilder+trio+big+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56Tm9_PvR9o/U3bI9LioznI/AAAAAAAADF0/ap20MBiB1lI/s1600/wilder+trio+big+.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktm9i35CwO8/U3bJDfpPipI/AAAAAAAADF8/B51gOgUhHM0/s1600/wilder+trio+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktm9i35CwO8/U3bJDfpPipI/AAAAAAAADF8/B51gOgUhHM0/s1600/wilder+trio+small.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiEXTBS36aM/U3bJKXdhq6I/AAAAAAAADGE/aN-MOUEqcWw/s1600/sunset+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiEXTBS36aM/U3bJKXdhq6I/AAAAAAAADGE/aN-MOUEqcWw/s1600/sunset+small.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-65146468573175250252014-04-29T21:44:00.000-07:002014-04-29T21:50:35.891-07:00Take a Pilgrim-age to the John Wayne Birthday CelebrationCan't get enough Duke? Turner Classic Movies network is showcasing John Wayne as their April 'Star of the Month' with an ample series of his very best films. And if you're a big fan of this bigger-than-life legend of classic films like me, you may already be feeling the melancholy set in, knowing this Wayne-loving month has come to a close. Fear not fans- John Wayne's birthday is approaching on May 26. And partner, I've got just the thing to set you straight up in your saddle... the <a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday">John Wayne Birthday Celebration</a> in Winterset, Iowa.<br /><br />In the sleepy little midwestern town of Winterset, you will find a fitting tribute to their celebrity son, Marion Robert Morrison who was born here on May 26, 1907. Long before launching his incredibly popular five-decade career in film, John Wayne spent his childhood in this charming town as Marion Morrison. Every year to honor their hometown legend, the proud folks of Winterset host the most marvelous weekend-long celebration on the weekend closest to his birthday. This year, this event takes place May 23-26th. I had the great pleasure of making the journey to this festival last May when their special guest of honor, and theme of events, was the legendary Maureen O'Hara who shared five films with Duke. (You can read more on my trek to last year's fest, by clicking <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-night-with-maureen-ohara.html">here</a>.) <br /><br />This year's schedules of events promises to awaken this sleepy small town with much of the same fun-packed frivolity as before. An adventure awaits from FREE film screenings, to a tour of his birthplace home, to a real rodeo, to pie eating and a celebrity benefit dinner plus so much more! If you're the type that absolutely must get up-close to some relatives, co-stars or even book experts of John Wayne because it <i>almost</i> feels like being part of the Wayne inner circle, you're in for a treat. As part of this year's line-up, you will have the chance to nab those name-dropping bragging rights with the following folks:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqPM-cgQjB0/U2B6yBQX9jI/AAAAAAAAC3I/ssWx0TVaHD8/s1600/Searchers_grave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqPM-cgQjB0/U2B6yBQX9jI/AAAAAAAAC3I/ssWx0TVaHD8/s1600/Searchers_grave.jpg" /></a></div><b>Lana Wood</b>, co-star with John Wayne from THE SEARCHERS...<br />-as special guest to the Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner and Auction, Wood will recount her tales of portraying "little Debbie" on the set while working with Wayne and Ford in Monument Valley. Wood is also known as Natalie Wood's real-life little sister and for her stint as a 'Bond girl.' Following, John Wayne's daughter Aissa will host the popular auction of John Wayne memorabilia.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHfgOiinQgw/U2B7RkCNLMI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/Ct8qthJ0DOM/s1600/Scott_Eyman_author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHfgOiinQgw/U2B7RkCNLMI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/Ct8qthJ0DOM/s1600/Scott_Eyman_author.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div><b>Scott Eyman,</b> biographer of <i>"John Wayne: The Life and Legend"...</i><br />-discussion and autograph session from the celebrated author who has been this month's guest programmer along side Robert Osborne, introducing Wayne's "Star of the Month" film series.&nbsp;<i> </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJBdYFcXwq4/U2B8YRhodeI/AAAAAAAAC3c/4iseHaqYzMw/s1600/Searchers_book_author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJBdYFcXwq4/U2B8YRhodeI/AAAAAAAAC3c/4iseHaqYzMw/s1600/Searchers_book_author.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div><b>Glenn Frankel,</b> author of "The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend"...<br />-discussion and book signing from this New York Times best-selling author who accounts the real back stories behind this enduring classic western.<br /><br />Many activities at the John Wayne Birthday Celebration are free, some events attach a reasonable cost and certain key events require reserved tickets (such as the Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner and Auction)~ so get your tickets early! Check out their site for all the details at <a href="http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday">www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday</a> or call (877) 462-1044. Donations are happily accepted so fundraising is ongoing for the world's only museum dedicated to John Wayne. Groundbreaking for this museum should kick off this spring!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj-WFPoChOc/U2B2LWqKFEI/AAAAAAAAC28/JOpN3g4MMy0/s1600/Wayne+bday+rodeo+poster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj-WFPoChOc/U2B2LWqKFEI/AAAAAAAAC28/JOpN3g4MMy0/s1600/Wayne+bday+rodeo+poster.JPG" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i> (*photos and scheduling are courtesy of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum site)</i><br /><br /><u><b>The full schedule of activities and events:</b> </u><br /><b>Friday, May 23</b><br /><table bgcolor="#e2d398" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 80%px;"><tbody><tr align="center" class="Beginning" id="p" valign="middle"><td>9am–5pm</td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#tours">John Wayne Birthplace Tours</a></div></td><td>John Wayne Birthplace</td></tr><tr align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><td>All Day</td><td><div align="center"><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#movies">FREE John Wayne Movies</a></b> <i>The Searchers,</i> <i>Stagecoach</i> and <i>The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance</i>.</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">Iowa Theater</div></td></tr><tr align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><td>6pm</td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#rodeo">John Wayne Birthday Celebration Rodeo</a></b></div></td><td>Madison County Fairgrounds</td></tr><tr align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><td>9pm</td><td><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#dance">Western Swing Dance</a></b></td><td>Madison County Fairgrounds</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Saturday, May 24</b><br /><table bgcolor="#e2d398" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 80%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" id="p" valign="middle"><div class="table1">7am - 11am</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#breakfast">Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast</a></div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">Fire Station</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">All Day</td><td><div align="center"><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#movies">FREE John Wayne Movies</a></b> <i>The Searchers,</i> <i>Stagecoach</i> and <i>The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance</i>.</div></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><div align="center" class="table1">Iowa Theater</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">9am–5pm</td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#tours">John Wayne Birthplace Tours</a></div></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">John Wayne Birthplace</td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p" valign="middle"><div class="table1">9am</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#run">John Wayne Birthplace 5K Run/Walk</a><br />John Wayne Birthplace lot, corner of Washington &amp; Second Streets </div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">John Wayne Birthplace lot</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p" valign="middle"><div class="table1">10am</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#bridges"><b>Covered Bridge Tours</b></a></div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">Madison County Chamber</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p" valign="middle"><div class="table1">12:30pm - 3pm</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#pie">Pie Squared</a></div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">Courthouse Square</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p2" valign="middle">1pm</td><td><div align="center"><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#book">Book Symposium</a></b> with authors Lana Wood, Scott Eyman, Glenn Frankel and Aissa Wayne</div></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">Madison County Historical Complex</td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p2" valign="middle">1pm</td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#shooters"><b>Cowboy Mounted Shooters</b></a></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">Madison County Fairgrounds</td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" id="p" valign="middle"><div class="table1">2pm</div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#bridges"><b>Covered Bridge Tours</b></a></div></td><td><div align="center" class="table1">Madison County Chamber</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#ffe6cb" colspan="3" id="p" valign="middle"><div align="center"><b class="BulletRed"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#dinner">John Wayne Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner</a></b>Madison County Historical Complex, 815 South Second Ave., Winterset<br /><table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 75%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#330033" valign="middle"><div class="white1"><b><i>Doors open at 5pm</i></b></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle">Social hour, followed by a delicious <b>Dinner</b> and a lively talk about John Wayne, John Ford and <i>The Searchers</i> by <b>Lana Wood</b> (little Debbie)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle">Auction hosted by Aissa Wayne</td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Sunday, May 25</b><br /><table bgcolor="#e2d398" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 80%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">All Day</td><td><div align="center"><b><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#movies">FREE John Wayne Movies</a></b> <i>The Searchers,</i> <i>Stagecoach</i> and <i>The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance</i>.</div></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><div align="center" class="table1">Iowa Theater</div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">10am</td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#shooters"><b>Cowboy Mounted Shooters</b></a></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">Madison County Fairgrounds</td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">10am–4:30pm</td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle"><div align="center" class="table1"><a href="http://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/birthday/#tours">John Wayne Birthplace Tours</a></div></td><td align="center" class="Beginning" valign="middle">John Wayne Birthplace<br />&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-81435654044814606322014-04-28T17:05:00.003-07:002014-04-28T20:07:54.686-07:00Orson Welles in THE STRANGER (1946) Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah). This post is dedicated to all the families tragically affected by this horrific period in history, and in hopes that we shall never forget to recognize the faces of evil, while remembering to seek out the goodness in humanity...<br /><br />The great villains of the big screen have always been a draw for audiences. We love to hate the evil doers, the bad boys and naughty ladies. A magnificent protagonist is nothing without a strong antagonist and vice-versa. These roles are clearly defined for us in Orson Welles' THE STRANGER (1946). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDHwg2v9_gg/U17tPuILg1I/AAAAAAAACzQ/xNzgzb5Qe8U/s1600/TheStranger_lobby+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDHwg2v9_gg/U17tPuILg1I/AAAAAAAACzQ/xNzgzb5Qe8U/s1600/TheStranger_lobby+card.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>In THE STRANGER (1946), the evil antagonist doesn't get much more evil than a nazi. And not just any nazi; but Franz Kindler (portrayed by Orson Welles), the mastermind nazi responsible for the horrific deaths of millions in the Holocaust. First we are introduced to Mr. Wilson (portrayed by Edward G. Robinson) of the War Crimes Commission who is searching for this evil fugitive from justice. Kindler has effectively kept his identity a complete mystery. No photos, no identifying marks and no trace of his whereabouts exist. Our only clue that sets Kindler apart is his obsessive passion for clocks. And the only connection to Kindler is his former partner in crime and fellow nazi Konrad Meinike (portrayed by Konstantine Shayne). So Wilson releases Meinike in hopes he'll lead him to Kindler, then follows him to Harper, Connecticut.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBF_GTyg1kg/U17tdjcNUqI/AAAAAAAACzY/1PetBLQb1fU/s1600/thestranger_lobby+card+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBF_GTyg1kg/U17tdjcNUqI/AAAAAAAACzY/1PetBLQb1fU/s1600/thestranger_lobby+card+2.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLI53y0UXIs/U17tzcOrQ7I/AAAAAAAACzg/PXVkELIX49A/s1600/the+stranger+welles+and+mienke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLI53y0UXIs/U17tzcOrQ7I/AAAAAAAACzg/PXVkELIX49A/s1600/the+stranger+welles+and+mienke.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wl5A7UsJHk/U17uDdBZFZI/AAAAAAAACzo/8TqDVHa_wGY/s1600/the+stranger+mienke+and+welles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wl5A7UsJHk/U17uDdBZFZI/AAAAAAAACzo/8TqDVHa_wGY/s1600/the+stranger+mienke+and+welles.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff0QpOJG2Lw/U17uPkWG0bI/AAAAAAAACzw/s2PutkeCDR4/s1600/The+Stranger+strangle+hold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff0QpOJG2Lw/U17uPkWG0bI/AAAAAAAACzw/s2PutkeCDR4/s1600/The+Stranger+strangle+hold.jpg" /></a></div>In this quaint little town, Wilson arrives pretending to be an antique dealer, tight on Meinike's trail. But soon Meinike gives him the slip in the school gymnasium and knocks him out cold. Then Meinike makes an uncomfortable visit to Kindler's home. Kindler is now operating under the guise as Charles Rankin, professor at the local prep school. He also is about to be married to a beautiful and deeply compassionate woman, Mary Longstreet. She's at his house hanging curtains as Meinike mysteriously shows up looking for "Rankin." Mary is puzzled why this foreign-accented stranger leaves without giving his name or why he's so anxious to see her soon-to-be-husband.<br /><br />When Meinike catches up with Kindler aka Rankin their conversation is brief. He admits that he was followed but believes he killed his pursuer. Kindler knows he can't afford to have Meinike near him, as the only threat in revealing his true identity and ruining his cover. So, he kills Meinike right in broad daylight, out in the woods but close by to students running by. He swiftly covers up his body with dirt, rocks and leaves. Meanwhile, Wilson awakens (not quite as dead as Meinike had thought) and is treated by the local doctor. He manages to charm his way into a dinner at the Longstreet home to find clues on the whereabouts of Meinike and Kindler because he heard this Professor Rankin has an affinity for clocks, such as the town's clock tower that has become his hobby to restore. The dinner attendees include Mary's father, Mary's brother Noah, Wilson, the doctor, and Mr. and Mrs. Rankin, just back from their honeymoon. The conversation becomes intriguing when the topic of 'what to do with the post-Holocaust Germans' and Professor Rankin responds that "Marx was not a German, but a Jew." Wilson knows only a nazi would make this statement so he decides to stay longer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIMFnjz-OhA/U17urRedacI/AAAAAAAACz4/F-J-t6a3xeA/s1600/The_Stranger_1946_(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIMFnjz-OhA/U17urRedacI/AAAAAAAACz4/F-J-t6a3xeA/s1600/The_Stranger_1946_(2).jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>Wilson decides to confide in Noah as to his real identity and purpose for his stay, in hopes to somehow get the truth to Mary. He knows this won't be easy. When Rankin takes Red, Mary's beloved Irish Setter for a walk, the dog starts digging at Meinike's secret grave site. That night Rankin locks Red in the cellar to keep him from revealing the dead body. When Red starts howling, Charles Rankin tells Mary he plans to keep her dog locked up or on a chain around the clock. This disturbs Mary greatly- she doesn't believe in imprisoning her pet. He's starting to show a whole new side of himself to his new bride. Pace picks up quickly as Red is found dead and Wilson and Noah discover he's been murdered from poisoning. Based on further evidence on Red, Wilson concludes the proximity of Meinike's burial site. With both Red and Meinike dead bodies discovered, Wilson knows it's only a matter of time before Kindler makes another bold move. This time it's likely to kill his new wife, who surely must be wondering how this murdered man is connected to her husband and why her husband has pressured her to pretend she never met Meinike. Earlier Rankin concocts a lie for Mary as to why they must keep his connection to Meinike a secret but he also admits he is the one who killed him... for a 'good reason.' Shockingly, Mary accepts his lies and continues to support him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ss_tbLSQE/U17vBHkDxNI/AAAAAAAAC0A/X0BgkdPR4o0/s1600/The_Stranger_1946_(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ss_tbLSQE/U17vBHkDxNI/AAAAAAAAC0A/X0BgkdPR4o0/s1600/The_Stranger_1946_(3).jpg" /></a></div>Wilson knows he must act immediately and boldly. He sees Mary's blind loyalty to her husband but has faith that her strong morality will lead her to eventually accept the truth. It must be shown to her in shocking realness to break through. Wilson and Mr. Longstreet arrange a private meeting with Mary. She's curious and worried. In this meeting, Wilson comes straight with Mary for the first time. After explaining his real occupation and purpose for his stay in Harper, he gets to the core of the matter with reels of Kindler's horrors in Europe. [Interestingly, this was the very first time the real footage from the Holocaust was actually shown in a feature film.] When he explains this horrific connection to her directly, she is overwhelmed and runs out in deep denial and disbelief.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUwB4ec0iOk/U17vyaNWKLI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/kWYwGeqDXK0/s1600/The+Stranger+Orson+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUwB4ec0iOk/U17vyaNWKLI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/kWYwGeqDXK0/s1600/The+Stranger+Orson+close+up.jpg" /></a></div>For the benefit of any unfamiliar with this film, I'll leave the remainder of the film and its dramatic conclusion for you to see for yourself. Orson does a wonderful job both in front of and behind the camera as its director and leading villain. But he is not the big player in this film. And maybe that's why Welles said this was one of his least favorite films. Edward G. Robinson takes the lead as the wise and insightful detective, a true champion for truth and justice. In his small stature and approachable casualness, he gains acceptance quickly by those around him. He's genuine. It's because of the strong case this character builds, the evilness in Welles' character is so strong via contrast. We don't see as much screen time with Welles' character Kindler/Rankin and yet we don't even have to. Through Robinson's performance we despise Kindler while barely seeing him on screen. Then Welles adds fear in our hearts via his solid performance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc13ynzhNvw/U18C20JPNkI/AAAAAAAAC0k/BiKtMNYROIg/s1600/the+stranger+welles+and+robimson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc13ynzhNvw/U18C20JPNkI/AAAAAAAAC0k/BiKtMNYROIg/s1600/the+stranger+welles+and+robimson.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>To add to our perception of Kindler's evil ways, Loretta Young contributes a strong contrast through her splendid portrayal of the sweet and trusting Mary Longstreet/Mrs. Charles Rankin. Her capacity for an infinite belief in goodness in others is both her downfall but also her saving grace. She is so pure in her love for her new husband that it distorts her ability to see his villainous ways. Despite being in love, it is also due to her faith in humanity that it's impossible for a person like Mary to stay supportive of a truly evil monster like Kindler, once evidence reveals the truth. Loretta Young does a superb job of embodying Mary in an authentic manner. She is not so much vulnerable and naive as Kindler had hoped when targeting her to be his cover, rather her moral compass is unyielding. In a way, by being his polar opposite, her pure goodness of heart is his ultimate nemesis...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80JjKFEb-Lo/U17vSbsyYEI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7UCmdaQopuQ/s1600/the_stranger_young+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80JjKFEb-Lo/U17vSbsyYEI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7UCmdaQopuQ/s1600/the_stranger_young+close+up.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>The following post is my very tardy contribution to THE GREAT VILLAIN Blogathon, hosted by <a href="http://www.shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com/">Karen of SHADOWS AND SATIN</a>, <a href="http://www.silverscreening.org/">Ruth of SILVER SCREENINGS</a> and <a href="http://www.hqofk.wordpress.com/">Kristen of SPEAKEASY</a>. For all the magnificent villain entries that delivered in a more timely manner, check out the <a href="http://shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/its-a-wrap-the-great-villain-blogathon/">full list of wonderful blog posts</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92Vf7BblnJQ/U18XUTttwxI/AAAAAAAAC00/03RoGgJjXlY/s1600/villain+banner_perkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92Vf7BblnJQ/U18XUTttwxI/AAAAAAAAC00/03RoGgJjXlY/s1600/villain+banner_perkins.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-87302896967737107052014-04-25T22:20:00.002-07:002014-04-25T22:28:50.298-07:0050 Reasons Why I LOVED TCM Film Festival 2014On April 9th, 2014 I embarked upon an unforgettable journey to Tinseltown. And I loved the experience so much I just had to share fifty reasons why. "Wait... did she say FIFTY?!" Yes, fifty. But don't be alarmed, this is not quite a <i>War and Peace</i> version of the 5th annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Fifty reasons to love TCMFF is an easy and quick list when there's SO much to love. So much in multiple screenings, events and incredible opportunities taking place all at once that a majority of this fest is generally missed. I know I missed out on many, many things I would have equally cherished. But without cloning or time travel, one can only take pleasure in the path chosen. That's exactly what I did... &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />1. <b>This was my very first trip to Hollywood</b> (and for a lifelong classic film fan this is a BIG deal!) Specifically, <b>this was my VERY FIRST TCM Film Festival!</b><br />2.<b> In actuality, this was my first trip by myself, for myself. </b>Oh sure, I've traveled by myself loads of times, on business. But this was my very first vacation without kids (yes I have four teenagers), without the hubby, and without any agenda other than unadulterated cinematic fun.<b> </b><br />3. <b>Robert Osborne,</b> <b>in the flesh!</b> (okay, so I haven't officially met him yet, but I got close by- which is pretty amazing for this TCMFF newbie. Perhaps next time, I'll get the chance)<br />4. Speaking of amazing TCM hosts... <b>Ben Mankewitz and Ileana Douglas</b>. That's right, I DID get to experience meeting Ben and Ileana -both charming and fabulous and both Hollywood ancestral legends in their own time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oXeqfsIUAk/U1n7iYKePUI/AAAAAAAACkc/R30z7EuNVs4/s1600/ben+Ileana+and+ma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oXeqfsIUAk/U1n7iYKePUI/AAAAAAAACkc/R30z7EuNVs4/s1600/ben+Ileana+and+ma.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;5. <b>TCMFF Tweetup</b>. This took place the evening prior to the opening day at a modern speakeasy, "Sadie's." I was lucky enough (or rather chatty enough) to be included in the TCMFF Social Crew. Meeting all the fellow tweetaholics was a treat because I already knew most of them via twitterverse!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnjCyWWO_eo/U1n8J8yHsxI/AAAAAAAACkk/LVI5zcIDMZA/s1600/Lindsay+Jessica+and+Raquel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnjCyWWO_eo/U1n8J8yHsxI/AAAAAAAACkk/LVI5zcIDMZA/s1600/Lindsay+Jessica+and+Raquel.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lindsay @angelnumber25, Jessica @HollywoodComet and Raquel @QuelleLove... these cinematic beauties made me feel young again! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP64sUU1L9M/U1n9DZM3M4I/AAAAAAAACk4/kxXz6EoC_S4/s1600/Scott+McGee+Laura+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP64sUU1L9M/U1n9DZM3M4I/AAAAAAAACk4/kxXz6EoC_S4/s1600/Scott+McGee+Laura+and+me.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Laura of @LaurasMiscMovies and TCM's Scott McGee... some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZkN64R3bMc/U1n8tyLWtBI/AAAAAAAACkw/HM2gbXkfIns/s1600/Sadies+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZkN64R3bMc/U1n8tyLWtBI/AAAAAAAACkw/HM2gbXkfIns/s1600/Sadies+crew.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;Annemarie of @ClassicMovieHub, Aurora of @citizenscreen, Cindy of @Cindybugz and Laura of @LaurasMiscMovies at the TCM Tweetup, repose before the party started hopping <br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlkyFpePGMU/U1n_lesDdBI/AAAAAAAAClE/nsn6z_utuSo/s1600/will+mckinley+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlkyFpePGMU/U1n_lesDdBI/AAAAAAAAClE/nsn6z_utuSo/s1600/will+mckinley+and+me.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Will aka @WillMcKinley and me. It was like meeting a long lost brother. #FilmFamily<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNY1tfWGJmk/U1oEBSIg_eI/AAAAAAAAClc/lCQa8AhVXuQ/s1600/Cinema+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNY1tfWGJmk/U1oEBSIg_eI/AAAAAAAAClc/lCQa8AhVXuQ/s1600/Cinema+sisters.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;CINEMA SISTERS! Hanging with Aurora aka @citizenscreen at the Egyptian. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;6. <b>Meeting my #TCM and #TCMparty friends</b>- IN PERSON! I was both excited and nervous leading up to the moments of meeting these 'modern pen pals.' As a friendly Midwestern type, I was worried my overzealous persona may be off-putting up close. Happily, or so it seemed, my worries proved to be unwarranted. I immediately felt at home with my #TCMparty pals. Within minutes, it's as though we had all known each other for decades. Like a family reunion; picking up where we left off.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sJBoSf824Q/U1oHORmOcaI/AAAAAAAAClo/_HYoINxCeiI/s1600/pic+stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sJBoSf824Q/U1oHORmOcaI/AAAAAAAAClo/_HYoINxCeiI/s1600/pic+stitch.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp; <i>[UL: Karen of @TheDarkPages UR: Joel of @JoelrWilliams1, Nora of @NitrateDiva, Fussy of @MiddParent LL: Miguel of @MonsterResort LR: Alan of @alanhait]</i><br /><br />7. <b>The FORMOSA CAFE </b>- after the Tweetup many of us headed over to this historic establishment. I had heard of the many stories from the Golden Age of Hollywood that took place at this cozy venue. I couldn't have been any more thrilled to socialize with my chums in the same space as where stars like Bogie, Gable and Sinatra dined. <br />8. <b>TCMFF Red Carpet</b>. Okay, so I didn't actually attend this event. I merely peeked at all the glamorous celebrities as I walked across the street. But what I did see from curious passing and from my friends' photo sharings that positioned a closer view, it was a glorious spectacle. Perhaps next year I'll work out the timing to claim a spot on the bleachers.<br />9. <b>5th AVENUE GIRL (1939) on the big screen</b>. While I've seen this film a couple of times before, this screening was special. This was my first viewing on the big screen and my first screening at TCM Film Festival. Somehow Ginger Rogers conveyed an extra dose of sardonic charm this time.<br />10. <b>BACHELOR MOTHER (1939) on the big screen.</b> A Ginger Rogers double feature?! How can a gal be so lucky on the initial day of this wondrous fest?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ejznmN0Jk/U1oJivs_njI/AAAAAAAACl0/GZ7VPNOnKOw/s1600/Greg+Proops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ejznmN0Jk/U1oJivs_njI/AAAAAAAACl0/GZ7VPNOnKOw/s1600/Greg+Proops.jpg" /></a></div>11. <b>Comedian Greg Proops</b> introduction to BACHELOR MOTHER. This veteran comic was a pro... sharp, witty, and fast-paced. Besides being very funny, I was also impressed by his mastery of detail on this film and the background stories. Yet this celeb of comedy was also just like us- a passionate fan.&nbsp; <br />12. <b>Bumping into actor James Karen and his wife, Alba Francesca</b>. I have chatted casually with Jim Karen during my attendance at the last two year's of the Buster Keaton Celebration in Iola, Kansas. So when I stumbled upon this couple while rushing into a screening, I will so thrilled to see their familiar faces that I bowled them both over with exuberant hugs, immediately followed by my apologies for my bold familiarity. I reminded them of our chats at the Buster Keaton Celebration (like we were just the oldest of Kansas pals) and the two were kind enough to state they distinctly remembered me. I doubt they actually did, but I appreciated their kindness for my benefit. &nbsp; <br />13. <b>Waking up to THE THIN MAN (1934)</b>. On Friday morning at 9am, I enjoyed a screening of this favorite classic while exchanging gasps of delight at Myrna Loy's exquisite fashions and chuckles with Kimberly of @GlamAmor, Aurora of @CitizenScreen and Lara of @backlotsfilm. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISCQS_dO_GQ/U1oJ3mnvP7I/AAAAAAAACl8/FqMDCGH6hbo/s1600/Egyptian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISCQS_dO_GQ/U1oJ3mnvP7I/AAAAAAAACl8/FqMDCGH6hbo/s1600/Egyptian.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoaU2mXd8wc/U1oKEPkTB4I/AAAAAAAACmE/Z4TpFFxXv_M/s1600/Egyptian+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoaU2mXd8wc/U1oKEPkTB4I/AAAAAAAACmE/Z4TpFFxXv_M/s1600/Egyptian+and+me.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;14. <b>The famed EGYPTIAN THEATRE</b>. Screening THE THIN MAN was my initial visit to this restored 1922 movie showcase. What a fun example of ancient Egyptian themed architecture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />15. <b>TOUCH OF EVIL (1958)</b>. Introduced by Charleton Heston's son, producer and director Fraser Heston, we were treated with a BEAUTIFULLY restored version of this film noir classic. The imagery was breathtaking. You could see every dirty bead of sweat on Orson Welle's bloated face and I couldn't have been more thrilled.<br />16. <b>Buttons.</b> So many fun buttons! The good folks at TCMFF conceived this brilliant idea to reward us with a variety of social media buttons, with the ability to earn each unique button via a different social media experience. I really commend the folks at TCM for creating outstanding design work for this year's festival. I chatted with a gal named Katie as we waited for the crosswalk light one early morning. I noticed her TCMFF lanyard and initiated a conversation on how much I admired the design work on the many banners displayed. It turns out she not only works for TCM but was responsible for those designs. Great job!&nbsp; <br />17. <b>More buttons!</b> Additionally, we met a gentleman, Mark (aka 'the button guy') who created and brought an inventory of his own buttons, many representing the various featured films from this year's cinematic line-up. He was an all around sweet guy and generous with his buttons- happily giving these away to any and all who asked.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY463Um0X50/U1oBwwUxJ7I/AAAAAAAAClQ/HChl5PfOpOQ/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY463Um0X50/U1oBwwUxJ7I/AAAAAAAAClQ/HChl5PfOpOQ/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;18.<b> The BEST button of them all.</b> Speaking of fun buttons, my hubby created a magnificent button of my own to wear at the TCMFF. It represents my love of classic film and specifically Cary Grant, plus it states my twitter handle for the pragmatic purpose of identifying me via my twitter presence. He did a heck of a job with it because I received countless comments of praise. Well done, honey!<br />19. <b>Margaret O'Brien introducing MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)</b>. I had heard that this legendary child star of the silver screen, now 77 years old and as energetic as ever, was seen sporting blue hair and nose ring on the Red Carpet the night prior. (How cool is that?!) Engaging us with witty anecdotes, Ms. O'Brien hadn't lost her touch to capture our attention. And the film itself? The experience can only be described as a joyful toe-tapping, technicolor dream with a tear or two shed by yours truly. &nbsp; <br />20. <b>Shaking Margaret O'Brien's hand</b>. While ordering a quick bite as carry-out, we spotted Ms. O'Brien in the Roosevelt diner, the "25 Degrees" restaurant. Trying to keep our wits about us, Aurora of @citizenscreen and I made the decision to act swiftly and introduce ourselves. Upon gently and respectfully taking her hand, she politely returned a greeting then turned to her seated companion and asked us if "we had met Judy Garland's son." Gobsmacked, we smiled and shook his hand as well.<br />21. <b>The GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATER</b>. Yeah, I know it's actually called TCL Chinese Theatre Imax. But hey, it will always be Grauman's to me. This jewel of a movie house was amazing. And while I heard its recent restoration eliminated more than 200 seats, the seating was very comfortable and the architectural details remain astounding. <br />22. <b>Mel Brooks introducing BLAZING SADDLES (1974)</b>. This was my #1 pick of all the anticipated screenings. I'm a huge Mel Brooks fan and the very thought of seeing this hilarious comedy classic, up on the big screen, introduced directly by Brooks himself, at the very same theater (Grauman's) that is featured in this film... well, it was almost too surreal to process. As anticipated, I laughed myself silly.<br />23. <b>Hand and Foot Prints of Legends at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.</b> If you've ever seen BLAZING SADDLES, you understand the significance of these...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlLURCrlMTI/U1suIggzJOI/AAAAAAAACnc/EIYbDZlosLM/s1600/Fairbanks+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlLURCrlMTI/U1suIggzJOI/AAAAAAAACnc/EIYbDZlosLM/s1600/Fairbanks+feet.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;24. <b>Patton Oswalt,</b> introducing a midnight screening of ERASERHEAD (1977). Oswalt was a riot. I loved hanging with my #TCMparty friends as we got punchy from the long day. I had never seen this David Lynch cult classic so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I can honestly say it was the strangest, most bizarre film I've ever seen with no redeeming qualities to speak of. To each their own though.<br />25. An enormous serving of a 'laughter breakfast' with <b>CITY LIGHTS (1931)</b>. That Saturday morning, a group of us #TCMparty peeps (including Joel of @joelrwilliams1, Kay of @KayStarStyle and Aurora of @citizenscreen) laughed until we cried while taking in this silent classic. If you've never seen this film, and especially if you ever are in need of a 'pick me up', I encourage you to see it pronto.<br />26. <b>Shaking hands with actor Jason Lee</b>. Lee introduced the screening of CITY LIGHTS as a passionate fan of this iconic classic and of the genius behind it, Charlie Chaplin. Afterwards as we filed out of the theater, I stole a quick moment to shake his hand, thanking him for his heart-felt intro. I'm a huge fan of Chaplin's masterpiece, too. Jason Lee came across as a very genuine and down-to-earth in person. Later that day as many of us took turns posing for silly pics in the TCM photo booth, I saw Lee with what appeared to be his entire family doing the same. Fun to see a whole family get involved in this classic film experience.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />27. <b>Another opportunity to see silent films on the big screen</b>. I am spoiled in my home state with more than a few opportunities to see silent films in the way they were meant to be seen- on the big screen, with an engaged audience surrounding you. While CITY LIGHTS did not have a live musical accompaniment, there were a couple more choices to see a grand silent. Harold Lloyd's supersized fun silent WHY WORRY? (1923) was introduced with a new score by maestro Carl Davis and granddaughter Suzanne Lloyd. Additionally, Hitchcock's early chiller THE LODGER (1927) was screened the way a silent REALLY should be seen, in tandem with the live performance of the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. &nbsp; <br />28. <b>Eggs Benedict at the 25 Degrees restaurant</b>. This diner housed at the front entrance of the Roosevelt hotel is a relatively speedy and yummy option for grabbing nourishment on the run between events. And you're almost guaranteed to bump into fellow TCMFF pals and celebrities, too. Personally, I recommend the eggs benedict or turkey burger.<br />29.<b> Often standing in long lines.</b> I realize this would normally be a negative thing. But at the TCM Film Festival, this is truly a very positive experience. This was the perfect opportunity to strike up conversations with fellow ole movie fans. You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover what bonds you can create in these lines, chatting with folks from all over the country.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncre8rhAjxo/U1suh4LUyGI/AAAAAAAACnk/JkI4jDaRTWg/s1600/line+party+with+our+low+numbers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncre8rhAjxo/U1suh4LUyGI/AAAAAAAACnk/JkI4jDaRTWg/s1600/line+party+with+our+low+numbers.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;30. <b>Strategizing to get the lowest # possible for your spot in line</b>. This process of snagging a spot as early as possible allowed for priority seating. For any screening or event that you absolutely, positively must see, the goal and bragging rights was to secure the lowest number for your position in line. This involved sometimes skipping an event in the time slot prior. Hey, this fest isn't for amateurs!<br />31. <b>The popcorn only diet</b>. For those like myself who want to get the most bang for your buck, there is very little time for actual eating of food that comes in the form of a square meal. I was advised to bring snacks. But otherwise, the most accessible snack is popcorn at the concession stand. Where else is it acceptable to eat popcorn for breakfast, minus the good ole college days? No problems here.<br />32. <b>The "Capture the Flag Movie Screening Game"... is the best exercise</b>. Worried about that concession stand diet affecting your waistline while hob-nobbing with celebs at the TCM Fest? No worries! With the mad dash strategy involved to race to each screening or event, combined with little time to eat more than a handful of popcorn every few hours, you are in better shape than you might think.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc5rUYxnqkY/U1su-xqqTPI/AAAAAAAACns/xQSJnu4wtMk/s1600/Mel+Brooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc5rUYxnqkY/U1su-xqqTPI/AAAAAAAACns/xQSJnu4wtMk/s1600/Mel+Brooks.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;33. <b>Mel Brooks Interview with Bob Osborne.</b> Here was my chance to see Mel Brooks up close. Earlier in the day, we got the inside scoop about this taping for a special one on one interview at the Roosevelt. There wasn't a moment's hesitation that this was a must-see event. Squeezing in to the front row yet off to the far side of the stage in hopes to get a better view of his face, rather than his back; we hung on to every word. He told several stories about the making of BLAZING SADDLES including what it was like to work with writer Richard Pryor and how Cleavon Little was chosen for the lead; how ERASERHEAD led him to David Lynch as his director for THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) and a hilarious bit about meeting Cary Grant at the Commissary. He also spoke sweetly about his wife Anne Bancroft. There was a subtle yet notable pause to take a drink of water just before he spoke her name. She passed nearly nine years ago and there's no doubt in my heart she is very much still and always with him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pb-pPhAjFk/U1s3-gmHQcI/AAAAAAAACpE/DP35Q-qwEXg/s1600/tcmparty+lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pb-pPhAjFk/U1s3-gmHQcI/AAAAAAAACpE/DP35Q-qwEXg/s1600/tcmparty+lunch.JPG" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>[from left to right: Paula aka @Paula_Guthat, Aurora of @CitizenScreen, Will aka @WillMcKinley, Alan aka @AlanHait, Kimberly of @GlamAmor, me, Elise of @EliseCD, Fussy of @MiddParent and just off camera: Nora of @NitrateDiva and Kay of @KayStarStyle is taking this fun pic!]</i></div><br />35. <b>Chicken Pot Pie at infamous, The Musso &amp; Frank Grill.</b> Proudly serving Hollywood since 1919, here was another Hollywood landmark that seemed untouched by the passage of time. From the waiters to the classic menu selections that appeared unchanged for decades, to my heavenly chicken pot pie, this was a special treat. Steeped rich in Hollywood history, as I looked around I could imagine the stars like Chaplin and Fairbanks as regulars dining at the softly worn leather booths or Bogie and Bacall sharing a drink at the bar. But my greatest source of enjoyment for that lunch was the company of my #TCMparty friends.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br />36. <b>The stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame</b>. I suppose these sidewalk stars seem hum-drum to a Hollywood or LA area resident. The most eccentric crowds of folks that were either selling or demonstrating their wares and often festooned in outrageous costumes certainly paid no attention to the famous names permanently displayed underfoot. But for me, this was yet another hallmark of Hollywood history. From the fantasy to the reality, there was much for me to take in. <br />37. <b>Judy Garland: A Legendary Film Career @ Club TCM</b>. This was a wonderful presentation by award winning producer and author John Fricke of clips and intimate tales of Judy Garland. I got misty more than once. What an unparalleled talent she was. There will never be anyone else like her. <br />38. <b>TCM at 20: Inspired By Classics. </b>This was a packed house event at Club TCM, which was set up beautifully at the Roosevelt. The panel of guests reflected a sampling of the artists commissioned to create works of art to celebrate TCM's 20th anniversary. The panel included Jane Seymour (my GAWD this woman does not age), and the legendary talent and beauty Kim Novak.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvjB0a7LLxQ/U1s6YWgh9eI/AAAAAAAACpY/JO7slmgJJ_E/s1600/organ+at+El+Capitan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvjB0a7LLxQ/U1s6YWgh9eI/AAAAAAAACpY/JO7slmgJJ_E/s1600/organ+at+El+Capitan.JPG" /></a></div>&nbsp;39. <b>EL CAPITAN! </b>The architectural details on this old movie house were phenomenal. What an uniquely fun treat to watch a man skillfully playing a grand dame of a pipe organ prior to our feature. Then moments prior to our presenters, this organ, as the man continued to play to the end of his song, magically descended into the floor. Pure Hollywood magic and the show hadn't even begun yet.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />40. <b>John Ford's HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941)</b>. Surprisingly, this was actually my first time seeing this Ford epic film. I had always caught parts of it but never had the pleasure to see it in it's entirety. What an emotionally moving film. Visually speaking, it is a stunning Ford feast for the eyes to behold. Hard to believe I waited this long to see it. But I'm thrilled I got to experience it with my friends in the balcony, many who were just as choked up as me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2PFrbTbbo/U1s_24rCe1I/AAAAAAAACqI/akRNuo2bMCU/s1600/foursome+waiting+in+line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2PFrbTbbo/U1s_24rCe1I/AAAAAAAACqI/akRNuo2bMCU/s1600/foursome+waiting+in+line.JPG" /></a></div><i>[Friendly foursome waiting in line for our favorite fiery Irish gal Maureen in HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY: Nora aka @NitrateDiva, Fussy aka @MiddParent, Aurora of @CitizenScreen and me...]</i><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />41.<b> Maureen O'Hara's introduction to HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY. </b>This was the moment we had camped out in line and waited for more than an hour. My silver screen idol from my Irish American childhood was right there, in the flesh. I peered down from the balcony and could barely swallow as she appeared on stage. A highlight from her brief interview with Bob Osborne occurred as Osborne asked her what it was like working with John Ford. She raised her flat palm to the side of her mouth, looking out to the audience and mischievously responded in her distinct brogue, "I thought we were here to talk about <i>me</i>." The crowd immediately with a thunderous laughter. Even at 93, this lady kept us on the edge of our seats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHV0YKkqfkU/U1s6mrnIYhI/AAAAAAAACpg/oayJN62JyDM/s1600/maureen+ohara+and+bob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHV0YKkqfkU/U1s6mrnIYhI/AAAAAAAACpg/oayJN62JyDM/s1600/maureen+ohara+and+bob.JPG" /></a></div>42. <b>Maureen O'Hara Interview with Bob Osborne.</b> We were treated with yet another opportunity to see my favorite Irish lass. But this time, strategy was essential to ensure a much closer proximity to this delightful Dubliner. So Aurora of @citizenscreen, Annemarie of @classicmoviehub and I protected our territory about THREE hours early at the velvet rope in order to garner the best spot to see our beloved Ms. O'Hara. After chatting with Bob on topics such as how much she enjoyed working with Charles Laughton, it was sadly time to end the conversation. But this spitfire was not done with us just yet. Not only did she grant us the privilege of turning around so we could take photos of something other than her back, but she also welcomed a couple of questions from the audience. I stood practically at arm's length from her. It was all too surreal for words. &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />43. <b>HAT CHECK GIRL (1932). </b>We #TCMpartiers were on board for this little PreCode gem. We were one of the lucky ones to nab a spot in this smaller venue. It was a fun lark and we enjoyed Ginger Rogers company yet again!<b><br /></b><br />44. <b>Academy Conversations: THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938). </b>Talk about a delightful time! The entertaining pair of Craig Baron and Ben Burtt were a total hoot as they donned their Sherwood Forest feather caps and educated us on the various tricks and special effects behind the scenes of this treasured American classic. Let's face it, spending a Sunday morning watching Errol Flynn's snug tights in all his technicolor glory ain't have bad.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOKELANP9Oo/U1s68GV7eTI/AAAAAAAACpo/SpJXCCKSHVw/s1600/poolside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOKELANP9Oo/U1s68GV7eTI/AAAAAAAACpo/SpJXCCKSHVw/s1600/poolside.JPG" /></a>(hamming it up poolside...)<br /><br />45. <b>The Roosevelt Poolside. </b>Simply gorgeous. It had a distinctly old Hollywood glamor look and feel with all the modern amenities.<br />46. <b>THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) </b>This was my final film of the festival. As we stood in line, @citizenscreen and I struck up a conversation with our line neighbors (as we do..) and as a result these charming folks were media broadcasters from ABC Radio and interviewed us with mics right on the spot! Bob Osborne himself greeted the audience to close out this final film. We then watched Dorothy and the gang in a brilliant 3D restoration, back in the majestic Grauman's Theater exactly where it premiered in Hollywood 75 years ago. It gave "there's no place like home" a whole new meaning.<b></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1j-eyZseQZA/U1s9JFWi5FI/AAAAAAAACp8/vvL4hECCuhY/s1600/dorothy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1j-eyZseQZA/U1s9JFWi5FI/AAAAAAAACp8/vvL4hECCuhY/s1600/dorothy.JPG" /></a></div>47. <b>Treasures of the Silver Screen</b>. Treasures were every where I looked. From the world's most recognizable blue gingham dress of my fellow Kansas gal Dorothy, to the original piano used in CASABLANCA which is much tinier than you'd ever imagine, classic treasures abound. I wanted to capture some of this lightning in a bottle by bringing home a souvenir to extend my memories. So I purchased some beautiful jewelry in the TCM gift shop. (And as tiny as that piano was, I don't think it would fit as a carry on.) With many of this year's TCMFF marketing and design themes being a nod to the 75th anniversary of THE WIZARD OF OZ, I was contemplating what item to bring home to Kansas. Then my friend Elise aka @EliseCD came to the rescue by generously donating her bag of goodies including a "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" notebook with Dorothy's profile standing in the shadow of Grauman's and a stationary collection of the commissioned 20th anniversary art. Aurora of @citizenscreen also kindly gave her Dorothy notebook for me to pass on to my hubby. Aren't #TCMparty friends the best?!&nbsp; <br />48. <b>Closing Night Party! </b>All dolled up, I joined my friends at the Club TCM then joined others poolside. Taking a few snapshots here and there, it started to sink in that this grand adventure was coming to a close. I didn't want it to end. <b><br /></b><br />49. <b>Miguel's Monster Island Resort Podcast with some #TCMparty homies.</b> To make this moment last longer, it seemed fitting to join in on Miguel's podcast, poolside by the fire at the end of closing night party. Discussing our various thoughts on the 5th annual TCM Film Festival, it was the perfect nightcap with dear friends. [See episode #115 at <a href="http://monsterislandresort.org/tcmff/">MonsterIslandResort.org</a>] <br />50. <b>My tearful goodbye.</b> I didn't want to leave this cinematic utopia. More importantly, now that I had connected with my TCM friends, I REALLY didn't want to say goodbye. After the exchange of hugs, I hesitantly made my way into the backseat of the cab (Will aka @willmckinley and Aurora @citizenscreen insisted I not walk alone to my hotel on behalf of my protective hubby), I looked up at the two with tears welling up in my eyes and waved farewell.<br /><br />This was an experience of a lifetime for me. So of course I plan to do this all over again next year- but this time accompanied by my sweet husband. Dorothy was right, there is no place like home. Perhaps I'm lucky enough to have two homes: with my family in Kansas and wherever my Old Movie Weirdo pals shall gather. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARVCNXSbe0M/U1oKznveV_I/AAAAAAAACmQ/cLCG2ZU6lAE/s1600/dorothy+and+toto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARVCNXSbe0M/U1oKznveV_I/AAAAAAAACmQ/cLCG2ZU6lAE/s1600/dorothy+and+toto.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-8093847874592841072014-04-16T23:23:00.002-07:002014-04-16T23:23:22.026-07:00FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (1965)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfks46ZAKyk/U09yJFq6zdI/AAAAAAAACcg/ec5ELwHXtDU/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenix+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfks46ZAKyk/U09yJFq6zdI/AAAAAAAACcg/ec5ELwHXtDU/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenix+1.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;Robert Aldrich's FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (1965) is a story of struggle, team work and survival. With a splendid cast, the diverse array of characters adds to this solid story. Based on the 1964 novel of the same title, written by Elleston Trevor, this film was not exactly a big hit at the box office at the time. But since then, it has slowly become a favorite among many classic film fans... including me.<br /><br />Our story begins via an aircraft en route to Benghazi, which today may evoke a very different image than this film's take back in 1965. We are immediately placed within the twin-engine Fairchild C-82 aircraft carrying oil company cargo and passengers, piloted by veteran aviator Frank Towns (James Stewart) and co-pilot/navigator Lew Moran (Sir Richard Attenborough). The rest of the passengers/cast:<br /><br />Captain Harris... (Peter Finch)<br />Heinrich Dorfmann... (Hardy Kruger)<br />Trucker Cobb... (Ernest Bourgine)<br />Crow... (Ian Bannen)<br />Sargeant Watson... (Ronald Fraser)<br />Dr. Renaud... (Christian Marquand)<br />Standish... (Dan Duryea)<br />Bellamy... (George Kennedy)<br />Carlos... (Alex Montoya)<br />Tasso... (Peter Bravos)<br />Gariele... (Gabriele Tinti)<br />Bill... (William Aldrich, brother of the director)<br />Farida... (Barrie Chase)<br /><br />Due to an abrupt sand storm, the engines each blow out and they make a crash landing in the desert. Upon sudden impact, cargo is dramatically shifted, resulting in the immediate deaths of a couple of the passengers and leaving one heavily injured. The remaining team soon reveal their differing personalities and often conflicting views on survival tactics. This adds to the tension as we dig deeper into each of the character's own views on how to live and who to follow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaXar9oBNg8/U09yYiW5AII/AAAAAAAACco/5KpsatiBc_A/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenix+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaXar9oBNg8/U09yYiW5AII/AAAAAAAACco/5KpsatiBc_A/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenix+2.png" /></a></div>&nbsp;There are many films that depict tales of survival and triumph with an impressive ensemble cast. Ronald Neame/Irwin Allen's THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972), John Sturges' THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963) and Alfred Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944) come to mind. But this film does a particularly marvelous job of exploring the complexities of each of these unique characters. We get to know these characters more so than simply what they do for a living. We see their strengths and frailties- the warts and all.<br /><br />FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX is deeply layered in shades of gray. When Captain Harris dutifully goes out to survey a dangerous situation when a small group of bandits camp nearby, we see that Harris is a strictly 'by-the-book' military man who refuses to compromise, even at high risk and when it means his own demise. But we respect him for going out on his own terms. However, in sharp contrast I find enormous disrespect for Sergeant Watson when he refuses his direct order to accompany Harris, his British Army superior. And yet it is the cowardly and smug Watson who avoids being murdered by the bandits due to his own path to survival.<br /><br />Ernest Bourgnine's portrayal of the slow-witted foreman, Trucker Cobb is a genuine and fantastic performance. With more expression than dialogue in several of his scenes, we peek into the soul of Cobb. And as such, we invest great compassion for his misguided motivations, despite that leading to his painfully ill-fated ending.&nbsp; <br /><br />The triangle of tension and social dynamics amongst Moran, Towns and Dorfmann is a main example of how complex these characters get. Brilliantly portrayed by Attenborough, we first see navigator Moran as a simple peace maker. There is incredible tension between the 'old-school' pilot Towns and Dorfmann, the straight-laced aeronautical designer. These two are complete opposites in every way, and power struggle becomes a huge point of contention several times throughout the story. Moran is able to convince Towns that he must concede to Dorfmann, no matter how much Towns finds him disagreeable and insulting. He persuades Towns that Dorfmann's far-fetched idea to rebuild a new airplane from parts of the crashed plane is likely their only hope. In the process of swallowing his pride, Towns deflects by verbally ripping into Moran. While Towns took full responsibility and guilt for the plane crash from the beginning, he now rages against Moran- stating that his alcoholism that may be to blame for their ill-fated situation. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viil3eUAlCo/U09ymCB846I/AAAAAAAACcw/XgaNBOcLQto/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenis+stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viil3eUAlCo/U09ymCB846I/AAAAAAAACcw/XgaNBOcLQto/s1600/flight+of+the+phoenis+stewart.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;Stewart does an impeccable job of portraying this very human character of this traditionalist aviator. He is not simply the leader whom everyone follows without question, as one would often see in many of his roles. Not unlike when George Bailey is tested by his dire situation before Clarence drops in (from Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE), we see a very conflicted and tortured role in Frank Towns. Stewart's portrayal of Towns realistically goes deep into this man's anguish and desperation as when one is pushed to their extreme limits yet resists for the sake of survival... and not just for the fulfillment of his own continued existence, but for the entire remaining lot of survivors. <br /><br />Without revealing a humdinger of a spoiler towards the end of the film (I shall refrain for any of you who have not already seen this intriguing film), I will instead assert another notable feature and theme to this classic... aviation. As the first grand daughter of two pilots myself (both my mother's father and my father's father were pilots til their last days), I'm a huge fan of aviation. I grew up going to "Fly-Ins" and Air Shows and watching planes being built from scratch in hangars. My fascination with flight started early as my first experience was in a 2-seater 'single engine' at the mere age of 6 weeks. Knowing that James Stewart was an avid pilot in real life, simply added more enjoyment for me- as I watched the evolution of this airplane 'rising from the ashes.' Sadly, it was the famous real-life stunt pilot Paul Mantz that lost his life in the making of this film. <br /><br />This post was my contribution to the JAMES STEWART BLOGATHON hosted by the ever talented Rick of the insightful blog, THE CLASSIC FILM and TV CAFE. Be sure to read all the talented bloggers' entries to this fun blogathon...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.classicfilmtvcafe.com/"><img alt="www.classicfilmtvcafe.com" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EmdVpsXxfc/U09qZgctv1I/AAAAAAAACcQ/g69VNccX9ww/s1600/James+Stewart+blogathon.JPG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div><br />&nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-9585967714861188812014-03-31T23:24:00.002-07:002014-03-31T23:24:28.654-07:00The Yellow Brick Road to TCMFF 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqfRLAIbVyU/Uzpa-_IQWGI/AAAAAAAABz0/WIRwYvtyUtQ/s1600/TCMFF_homepage_Full.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqfRLAIbVyU/Uzpa-_IQWGI/AAAAAAAABz0/WIRwYvtyUtQ/s1600/TCMFF_homepage_Full.png" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;I belong to a select group of obsessed film geeks aka "Old Movie Weirdos" that watches classic film at a dizzying pace. We eat, breathe and sleep old movies. We talk about it, we blog on it, we spend our hard-earned cash on it. Undeniably, we watch it. There are many ways one can get their fill of ole black and white classics. But for many of us, we have discovered a common home to enjoy these films... Turner Classic Movies.<br /><br />I have happily taken pleasure in my cinema addiction via TCM ("Turner Classic Movie channel") for years. Then the good folks at TCM started an annual film festival to bring all of us "old movie weirdos" together. This year marks the 5th annual celebration as such and the 20th anniversary of this marvelous network. Living in the middle of the country and as a married, working mom of 4 teenagers, this annual trek to Hollywood was simply not feasible. After pinching every penny, and months of obnoxiously obvious hints to my poor dear husband, he gave me the ultimate birthday present- a trip to TCM Film Festival! My birthday was November 14th- the <i>very</i> day TCMFF passes went on sale.&nbsp;<br /><br />So here I am, little over a week from my first ever trip to Hollywood, California and my very first TCM Film Festival. The official schedule of screenings and events has been released and thus the planning and re-planning has begun. I've heard of the long lines, the near-misses and finely-tuned&nbsp; strategies involved in this process from other like-souls who have made this journey before me. My strategy? Make my favorite picks in each time block then happily 'go with the flow' when any of those well-laid-out plans fall through. My goal? Have the time of my life as this Kansas gal makes this magical journey to Tinseltown, meet up with friends (my modern-day online 'pen pals' oft from far, far away) and who knows... perhaps some celebrity sightings as icing on the cake?! <br /><br />Here is my 'well-laid-out plan' of a schedule:<br /><br /><u>Thursday:</u><br />2pm- "Meet TCM" at the Egyptian Theatre<br />5pm- Welcome Party/TCM at 20 Exhibit at Roosevelt<br />7pm- 5th AVENUE GIRL/ plan B: 7:30pm- AMERICAN GRAFFITI poolside with discussion<br />9:45pm- THE HEIRESS/ plan B: 10pm- JOHNNY GUITAR<br /><br /><u>Friday:</u> (this is the day I will <i>camp</i> at the TCM Chinese IMAX)<br />9am- THE THIN MAN (The Thin Man on the big screen! O.M.G.)<br />noon- TOUCH OF EVIL<br />3pm- MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS with discussion from Margaret O'Brien<br />6pm- DOUBLE INDEMNITY<br />9pm- BLAZING SADDLES with discussion from Mel Brooks (Dream come true!!)<br />midnight show- ERASERHEAD at Chinese Multiplex 6, discussion from Patton Oswalt (<i>very</i> cool...)<br />*plan B- my back-ups are "A conversation with Richard Dreyfuss" and WHY WORRY? with conversation from Suzanne Lloyd, Carl Davis&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><u>Saturday:</u><br />9am- CITY LIGHTS or STELLA DALLAS- complete toss up<br />11:45am- GODZILLA: The Japanese Original (how could I NOT see Gojira on the big screen?!)<br />3pm- HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (with LEGENDARY personal-fave Maureen O'Hara <i>live</i>!!)<br />6:15pm- THE NUTTY PROFESSOR with discussion by Jerry Lewis or plan B: A HARD DAY'S NIGHT with discussion by Alec Baldwin or... plan C: THE MUPPET MOVIE with discussion by Bill Hader (this time slot I'm kinda more interested in seeing the presenters than the movie itself)<br />9pm-ish: this slot is a free for all for me- no real commitments at this point<br /><br /><u>Sunday:</u><br />9:15am- Academy Conversations: THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD or... sleeping in &amp; brunch (perhaps plan B may rule by day 4)<br />noon: Judy Garland: A Legendary Film Career<br />4:30pm- THE QUIET MAN with discussion by Nancy Schoenberger (no brainer here!)<br />7:30pm- THE WIZARD OF OZ or... THE LODGER with Mont Alto Orchestra - This a toughie. As a Kansas gal, I want to see Oz on the big screen since I've only seen it on tv, especially with the 75th anniversary. Then again, I've never seen Hitch's THE LODGER on the big screen with Mont Alto Orchestra live musical accompaniment either. Aargh!<br />9pm- Official Closing Night Party!<br /><br />I'm both exhilarated and exhausted already just thinking about this incredible event. Not sure how I'll cover some basics with this frenetic pace, like going to the bathroom or eating. But I'm certain even with a four day diet of popcorn, it will all be completely worth it. See ya at the movies, fellow "Old Movie Weirdos"!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KfyOaIO-tA/UzpaoJk95XI/AAAAAAAABzs/hrcXzvhCtbs/s1600/tcm+ff+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KfyOaIO-tA/UzpaoJk95XI/AAAAAAAABzs/hrcXzvhCtbs/s1600/tcm+ff+logo.jpg" /></a></div><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-86665520438644179972014-03-25T23:51:00.001-07:002014-03-25T23:51:34.858-07:00Kansas Silent Film Festival (2014)Hollywood. New York City. San Francisco. These are some of the locations you probably think of when it comes to classic film. But what if I told you Kansas should be in this list? While many folks consider places like Kansas as more of a "fly over state," or only associate any classic film via Dorothy and Toto, Kansas actually offers much more, with a rich history in early film. As the birthplace of early film greats like Buster Keaton, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Louise Brooks, Claire Windsor and Zasu Pitts, Kansas is also home to the Kansas Silent Film Festival. Recently I attended the 18th installment of this annual fest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_suc67w7d4/UzJ3l5bVy0I/AAAAAAAAByA/VHetYalgCxI/s1600/KSFF+2014+me+and+oliver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_suc67w7d4/UzJ3l5bVy0I/AAAAAAAAByA/VHetYalgCxI/s1600/KSFF+2014+me+and+oliver.JPG" height="320" width="163" /></a></div>On the final weekend of February, this year's festival kicked off to a warm reception in the midst of a bitterly cold Kansas climate. Taking place at the Washburn University in Topeka, the schedule began that Friday evening with a robust schedule welcomed by and overture by Jeff Rapsis and introductions by film historian, Denise Morrison. Here's the weekend's full schedule...<br />&nbsp;---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><u>Friday, 2/28: </u>(start at 7pm)<br /><br />FELIX IN HOLLYWOOD (1923) -produced by Pat Sullivan/ live music by Rodney Sauer<br /><br />ELLA CINDERS (1926) -starring Colleen Moore/ live music by Marvin Faulwell and Bob Keckeisen <br /><br />DOUBLING FOR ROMEO (1921) -starring Will Rogers/ live music by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra <br /><br /><u>Saturday, 3/1:</u> (starting at 10am)<br /><i>&nbsp;*Focus on Early Animation...</i><br /><br />Animation Compilation (circa 1900) including: THE ENCHANTED DRAWING, AESOP'S FABLE, HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE.../ live music by Marvin Faulwell<br /><br />THE ADVENTURES OF DOLLIE (1908) -starring Gladys Egan/ live music by Marvin Faulwell<br /><br />THE PATSY (1928) -starring Marion Davies/ live music by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra<br /><br /><i>&nbsp;*Focus on Hollywood on Hollywood...</i><br /><br />MODELING (1921) -animated short by Max and Dave Fleischer featuring Koko the Clown/ live music by Marvin Faulwell<br /><br />BUPPY BUMPS PUTS A BEANERY ON THE BUM (1918) -cartoon by Eral Hurd/ live music by Rodney Sauer<br /><br />CRAZY TO ACT (1927) -starring Oliver Hardy/ live music by Jeff Rapsis<br /><br />DEVIL HORSE (1926) -starring 'Rex the Wonder Horse'/ live music by Jeff Rapsis<br /><br />PREHISTORIC POULTRY (1917) -animated short by Willis O'Brien/ live music by Bob Keckeisen<br /><br />SOULS FOR SALE (1923) -starring Eleanor Boardman and Richard Dix/ live music by Marvin Faulwell<br /><br />[6th annual CINEMA DINNER]<br /><br /><i>&nbsp;*Focus on Charlie Chapman- A Salute to the Little Tramp's Centennial&nbsp;</i> <br /><br />CHARLIE ON THE WINDMILL (1916) -animated short by Movca Film/ live music by Jeff Rapsis<br /><br />THE MASQUERADER (1914) -short feature starring Charlie Chaplin<br /><br />MODERN TIMES (1936) -starring Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard/ with musical soundtrack <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />This was my 2nd year to attend this wondrous fest. Joined by my hubby Gary, our pal Trevor (aka Trevor @tpjost via twitter), and Meredith (aka @meredithriggs39 and her dad), we regaled in the festivities. We always look forward to seeing familiar faces including Kansas Silent Film President, Bill Shaffer, at this lovely fest.&nbsp;Unfortunately, the Kansas winter blizzard kept our dear Nebraska friends Nikki (aka @nikkilynn4 on twitter) and her husband Brian from joining us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCzh4ct9NB4/UzJ35ghKDVI/AAAAAAAAByI/YeDc-v-qKjU/s1600/KSFF+2014+trevor+and+friends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCzh4ct9NB4/UzJ35ghKDVI/AAAAAAAAByI/YeDc-v-qKjU/s1600/KSFF+2014+trevor+and+friends.JPG" /></a></div>I fully enjoyed this robust line-up of silent treasures. I think it was a lovely treat to enjoy some very early silent animation pieces, in addition to the typical shorts and features. For example, it had been a very long time since I had seen 'Felix the cat'&nbsp;as I had only seen partial&nbsp;clips, not any full-length animation segments as I had that&nbsp;evening. I enjoy the way film historian Denise Morrison introduces each film choice with some background&nbsp;history and trivia that never fails to fascinate me. <br /><br />The only negative aspect of this event was namely the weather. This resulted in us leaving early on Saturday evening, thereby missing the experience of the Charlie Chaplin salute of MODERN TIMES and the two accompanying shorts. With the sole exception of DEVIL HORSE (1926) due to its overt racism against Native Americans that was unfortunately a sign of the times, all the features in this festival's line-up were a complete joy. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZpK2HIVt8c/UzJ4iA0apuI/AAAAAAAAByY/8IuWTZeCptE/s1600/KSFF+2014+Jeff+Rapsis+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZpK2HIVt8c/UzJ4iA0apuI/AAAAAAAAByY/8IuWTZeCptE/s1600/KSFF+2014+Jeff+Rapsis+and+me.JPG" /></a></div>The highlights of the weekend included seeing Clarence G. Badger's DOUBLING FOR ROMEO (1921), a delightful poke at 'making it in Hollywood' in a thoroughly humorous Will Rogers style, and Marion Davies' hilarious physical comedy antics in King Vidor's THE PATSY (1928)... both featured live music from the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. But just like last year, the most treasured segment of this year's schedule was the Cinema Dinner. This time we were treated with silent film pianist Jeff Rapsis' presentation of a 'lost' Pickford film, THEIR FIRST MISUNDERSTANDING (1911) that was discovered in a New Hampshire barn! For more info on this incredible recent rescue: <a href="http://library.creativecow.net/kaufman_debra/Restoring-Mary-Pickford-Film/1">click here</a> Each of the table settings came with a framed Pickford photo as a charming souvenir. I certainly didn't leave empty handed. In addition to my memories of this enchanted weekend spent with fellow silent film aficionados, I also picked up some classic film jewelry, and an 8mm film reel set of William Beaudine's Mary Pickford classic SPARROWS (1926)!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AA_-e52XsI/UzJ4UgnfVxI/AAAAAAAAByQ/zssxY5ZuDhs/s1600/KSFF+2014+reels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AA_-e52XsI/UzJ4UgnfVxI/AAAAAAAAByQ/zssxY5ZuDhs/s1600/KSFF+2014+reels.JPG" /></a></div>I highly recommend attending this film festival for any film fan, but especially for you classic and silent film obsessives. With exception of the Cinema Dinner, the entire weekend is always free. Yet the future success and continued survival of the <a href="http://www.kssilentfilmfest.org/index.html">Kansas Silent Film Festival</a> is reliant upon donations, so I encourage you to consider giving, as generously as you are able... &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-62744607778408921022014-03-22T01:34:00.000-07:002014-03-22T01:41:47.444-07:00James Garner as "Maverick" (1957-1960)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MtZp6NLs3g/Uy1IuT_Q_3I/AAAAAAAABxA/0NuQJZOcdhI/s1600/maverick+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MtZp6NLs3g/Uy1IuT_Q_3I/AAAAAAAABxA/0NuQJZOcdhI/s1600/maverick+1.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>&nbsp;James Garner is one of those rare Hollywood actors who has made such an incredible impression on the silver screen with an illustrious career spanning decades, that he is easily recognized to this day by multiples of generations and by millions across the world. You can count me in as one of his biggest fans. In addition to an active filmography of over fifty films beginning in the mid-1950's, Garner was equally popular in a very active career in television. He is one of the first to skillfully master both the big and small screen mediums so successfully. One of my favorite television roles for Garner is the charming western comedy, "Maverick"(1957-1960).<br /><br />Born in Norman, Oklahoma as James Scott Bumgarner, in 1928, his childhood had a hefty share of challenges. As the youngest of three boys, James lost his mother Mildred (who was said to be part Cherokee) at the very early age of five years old. The boys lived with family until their father remarried. This stepmother was physically abusive for years to the point that young 14 year old James finally stood up to this deplorable woman with a violent altercation that ended the marriage. His father left the boys behind and moved to LA. By sixteen, James joined the Merchant Marines. He enjoyed the physical activity and camaraderie but rejoined his father in LA to enroll as a popular student at Hollywood High. This reunion did not last long as he returned to Norman less than a year later. There he excelled in sports, not academics at the local school but never graduated (he did earn his GED later). Instead, he returned to the army where he felt more at home.<br /><br />In the National Guard he served 7 months stateside then he served in combat in the midst of the Korean War for another 14 months in the standard army. He even earned 2 different Purple Heart medals for his injuries during the war. Thereafter, a friend convinced him to take on a non-speaking role in the Broadway production of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" (1954) where he carefully studied the acting methods of co-star Henry Fonda. This led to a series of small television spots and a contract with Warner Brothers (in 1956), which followed with some film work. Without any notification or permission, Warner Brothers took the liberty of changing his name from Bumgarner to Garner.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TA7QbLgih1w/Uy1JvCaHNJI/AAAAAAAABxI/QvsVgFVF6_U/s1600/maverick+bret+and+bart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TA7QbLgih1w/Uy1JvCaHNJI/AAAAAAAABxI/QvsVgFVF6_U/s1600/maverick+bret+and+bart.png" /></a></div>His big Hollywood break came along when he was offered the part of&nbsp; Bret Maverick on the television series, "Maverick" in 1957. Created by Roy Huggins, this television series took the popular and frequent TV genre at that time of the western, yet gave it a whole new twist. Instead of taking a straight-forward good guy (typically a law man of some sort) who takes an unswerving interest to run the bad guys out of town, "Maverick" took a fresh approach that was instantly popular thanks to the charm of its leading man, James Garner. The role of Bret Maverick was a lovable cad... a gambler traveling town to town in search of profit via a deck of cards. And while he was often the source of the bad guys' undoing, it was never his primary objective. Maverick is actually a rather lazy character, never seeking out conflict. He'd rather sneak out of town to seek his next fortune than have a 'shoot out at the OK Corral.' But ultimately he always revealed that he's a good guy after all; even if grudgingly, in the end.<br /><br /><u>James Garner, on his role as 'Bret Maverick':</u> "I'm playing me. Bret Maverick is lazy: I'm lazy. And I <i>like</i> being lazy." <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poII83ddSNI/Uy1KCXVucJI/AAAAAAAABxQ/mL332GZyusE/s1600/maverick+tv+guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poII83ddSNI/Uy1KCXVucJI/AAAAAAAABxQ/mL332GZyusE/s1600/maverick+tv+guide.jpg" /></a></div>The show also featured Bret's brother Bart (portrayed by Jack Kelly, 1957-1962) and later a British-accented cousin, Beau (portrayed by Roger Moore, 1959-1961). While Bret and Bart were supposed to be a brother team on equal star billing, audiences were so taken by Garner's handsome looks, charisma and dry-wit charm that Bret quickly became the clear favorite. As popular as James Garner was in this role, his contract with Warner Brothers ended abruptly in 1960. Warner Brothers suspended Garner without pay in the midst of a writer's strike. But he sued and won; thereby freeing him to pursue higher-paying film roles, just as he was rapidly becoming a household name.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5UfaKK3GUU/Uy1KnAPxbuI/AAAAAAAABxg/ukWE1GmBhcE/s1600/Maverick+w+Eastwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5UfaKK3GUU/Uy1KnAPxbuI/AAAAAAAABxg/ukWE1GmBhcE/s1600/Maverick+w+Eastwood.jpg" /></a></div>While his part on the "Maverick" series ended in 1960, this was not his last nor only time to play this character. He also portrayed Bret Maverick in 1957 in one episode of "Sugarfoot" (1957-1961), in 1979 in one episode of "Young Maverick" (1979-1980), and again in 18 episodes of "Bret Maverick" (1981-1982). When the Bret Maverick role was reprised as a major film in 1994 starring Mel Gibson as the lead, it was James Garner who co-starred as 'partner' Marshal Zane Cooper with equal charm and appeal.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />Over the following five decades, James Garner went on to star in memorable film and television roles such as THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963), THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY (1964), MURPHY'S ROMANCE (1985) (for which he was nominated for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe), THE NOTEBOOK (2004) and TV series "The Rockford Files" (1974-1980). Some of my favorite Garner films are his fun comedies from the 60's like THE THRILL OF IT ALL (1963), MOVE OVER, DARLING (1963), HOW SWEET IT IS! (1968) and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF! (1969). While James Garner has been an active and very hard-working (despite his joke quoted above regarding laziness) actor for decades, he is most widely recognized for the early role that launched his career into super stardom, "Maverick."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9004lsf9kU/Uy1KU0qNTFI/AAAAAAAABxY/M_ovk6vD63U/s1600/maverick+garner+march+on+washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9004lsf9kU/Uy1KU0qNTFI/AAAAAAAABxY/M_ovk6vD63U/s1600/maverick+garner+march+on+washington.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;On a personal note, I must add that I highly respect this man not only for his acting talents but also for his integrity as an individual. He has been a long-time supporter of civil rights and humanitarian causes, and active in politics. On August 28, 1963 he joined over 200,000 Americans for the infamous 'March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom' to get an up-close view of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspire the crowds with his "I Have A Dream" speech. He was joined by fellow civil rights supporters like Sammy Davis Jr., Marlon Brando, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan. In one of the longest real-life romances in Hollywood, he met his wife Lois Clarke at an Adlai Stephenson campaign rally in 1956 and they married just 2 weeks later. I truly enjoy following their daughter Gigi on twitter (@MavrocksGirl) and I recommend following her engaging and compassionate (gee, I wonder where she gets those lovely qualities) timeline, especially for you James Garner fans like me!<br />_______________________________________________________________________________ <br />This tribute to James Garner's role as "Maverick" is my humble entry to the delightful blogathon, <a href="https://howsweetitwas.wordpress.com/2014/02/05/big-stars-on-the-small-screen-blogathon/">BIG STARS ON THE SMALL SCREEN</a> as hosted by the fabulous <a href="https://howsweetitwas.wordpress.com/"><i>How Sweet It Was</i> </a>site. Please read all the other entertaining and informative blogger entries in this wonderful gem of a blogathon!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAhXzh9wxyA/UyvU55AT2aI/AAAAAAAABww/0WoshwIcxZE/s1600/big+stars+on+the+little+screen+banner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAhXzh9wxyA/UyvU55AT2aI/AAAAAAAABww/0WoshwIcxZE/s1600/big+stars+on+the+little+screen+banner.jpeg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-14208596024720169692014-03-16T22:34:00.003-07:002014-03-18T07:06:11.023-07:00Perry Mason via Warren WilliamPerry Mason. Raymond Burr, right? That super popular TV series from 1957-1966 about the stern defense attorney who always nabbed the real criminal by the end of the show, right? No, not him. There was another Perry Mason character adaption decades prior- as Warren William took on the role on the big screen <i>originally</i>, in four films from 1934-1936.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRQ-vLDn9w/UyaH4M3qzQI/AAAAAAAABvk/aHvqM-JaNnY/s1600/warren+william+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRQ-vLDn9w/UyaH4M3qzQI/AAAAAAAABvk/aHvqM-JaNnY/s1600/warren+william+1.jpg" /></a></div>The Perry Mason role is a fictional character of a bright and determined defense attorney based on a series of novels and short stories by Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970). He knew a thing or two about courtroom drama from his years practicing law in California. Gardner was an interesting character himself.&nbsp; He grew up in the rough and tumble world of the Gold Rush days in the Klondike and other mining towns. At the age of 21, with no formal education, he passed the California bar exam. He also spoke fluent Chinese and took on many Chinese clients in the early years. For supplemental income, Gardner started writing in the 1920's with mysteries, adventure tales and westerns for pulp fiction magazines (such as the "Black Mask") under pseudonyms. He had a bankable penchant for writing so he continued at a prolific and successful pace. In 1933, the Perry Mason character was born (the name was inspired by the publisher, Perry Mason &amp; Co., of his childhood favorite magazine, <i>Youth's Companion</i>) with two stories, "The Case of the Velvet Claws" and "The Case of the Sulky Girl."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cltMPZmgMao/UyaIH97WTHI/AAAAAAAABvs/jN7rZCU8Yig/s1600/warren+william+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cltMPZmgMao/UyaIH97WTHI/AAAAAAAABvs/jN7rZCU8Yig/s1600/warren+william+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--81-K0Kbxw0/UyaIUKvgCBI/AAAAAAAABv0/HS7l96xUwXY/s1600/warren+william+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--81-K0Kbxw0/UyaIUKvgCBI/AAAAAAAABv0/HS7l96xUwXY/s1600/warren+william+2a.jpg" /></a></div>With tremendous success of this character via pulp fiction novels, the first Perry Mason film released with Alan Crosland's THE CASE OF THE HOWLING DOG (1934) starring Warren William as Perry Mason. <u>Also starring:</u><br />Mary Astor... as Bessie Foley<br />Allen Jenkins... as Sgt. Holcomb<br />Grant Mitchell... as District Attorney Claude Drumm<br />Helen Trenholme... as Della Street, Mason's loyal secretary<br />Helen Lowell... as Elizabeth Walker<br />Dorothy Tree... as Lucy Benton<br />Gordon Westcott... as Arthur Cartwright<br /><br />In THE CASE OF THE HOWLING DOG (1934), our mystery begins with (yup, you guessed it) a howling dog, a neighbor's window and a rather unnerved man plus his wild story that the barking dog is an omen of a death. He pleads for Mason to write his will, making the lady next door his beneficiary. Perry Mason takes the case as he's intrigued by all the odd facets of this encounter. In short time, both the mysterious man and his beneficiary are missing- now Perry Mason must unravel the clues including a humdinger of a identification mix-up.&nbsp; <br /><br />This is the first time we see Perry Mason on screen which is a real treat for several reasons.. for one, the novels do not go into great detail to describe the Mason character in physical form so we get to experience him without any prejudice. For another, we also see a new side of actor Warren William. This straight-laced, all-business character is rather unlike his Lone Wolf or Philo Vance characters. And it goes without saying, watching Warren William in a flick is always a real treat!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKrIULNCWqY/UyaI6RNRPrI/AAAAAAAABv8/J7oJaJZDW_w/s1600/warren+william+cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKrIULNCWqY/UyaI6RNRPrI/AAAAAAAABv8/J7oJaJZDW_w/s1600/warren+william+cb.jpg" /></a></div>While the first film sticks fairly closely to the novels, the next three take a departure. Second in this series of William as Mason films is Michael Curtiz' THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS BRIDE (1935). But mystery is still the name of the game as a woman (Rhoda Montaine) comes to Mason for help as she reveals that after remarrying, she discovers her first husband is still alive. Perry Mason goes to resolve the matter with the first husband (Gregory Moxley) only to find his dead body.<br /><br />By now, THE THIN MAN (1934) had launched to great success and it's influence was apparent. Instead of the completely straight and serious Perry Mason translation as in the first film, this one injected a more comedic and lighter tone that was also reflected in the supporting cast roles. Now Warren William was transitioning with a confidence that would continue into his next films.&nbsp; <br /><u>Supporting Cast:</u><br />Warren William...as Perry Mason<br />Margaret Lindsay... as Rhoda Montaine<br />Donald Woods... as Carl Montaine<br />Claire Dodd... as Della Street, still Mason's secretary<br />Allen Jenkins... as Spudsy Drake, Mason's whacky sidekick (note the big difference from the last film) <br />Phillip Reed... as Dr. Claude Millbeck<br />Barton MacLane... as Chief Detective Joe Lucas<br />Wini Shaw... as Doris Pender<br />Warren Hymer... as Oscar Pender<br />Olin Howland... as Coroner Wilbur Strong<br />Charles Richman... as C. Phillip Montaine<br />*Errol Flynn... as Gregory Moxley<br /><br />*This film is notable as Errol Flynn's first American film appearance. He's seen twice: once as a non-speaking part of a corpse and then again as a more <i>animated</i> role as a flashback to this character.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gxWMA5gRII/UyaJF9xjT3I/AAAAAAAABwE/u16obZkjY9g/s1600/warren+william+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gxWMA5gRII/UyaJF9xjT3I/AAAAAAAABwE/u16obZkjY9g/s1600/warren+william+4.jpg" /></a></div>As the third film in this series, William reprises the Perry Mason role in Archie Mayo's THE CASE OF THE LUCKY LEGS (1935). In this who-dunnit mystery meets screwball comedy, Mason takes the case when a 'lucky legs' beauty contest goes awry then the scam artist who organized it skips town with the prize money and he later shows up with a knife in his chest. The antics and one-liners abound in this one. And to witness the 'Thin Man' influence, simply note Perry Mason's appearance on the floor due to a alcohol bender and the influence is unmistakable. Yet it's undeniably a departure from the straight-laced Mason from the Gardner's novels. &nbsp; <br /><u>Supporting cast:</u><br />Genevieve Tobin... as Della Street, Mason's secretary yet again with a new actress<br />Patricia Ellis... as Margie<br />Lyle Talbot... as Dr. Doray<br />Allen Jenkins... as Spudsy Drake, and his goofiest version yet<br />Barton Maclane... as Bisonette<br />Peggy Shannon... as Thelma Bell<br />Porter Hall... as Col. Bradbury<br />Anita Kerry... as Eva Lamont<br />Craig Rynolds... as Frank Patton<br />Henry O'Neill... as District Attorney Manchester<br />Charles C. Wilson... as Police Officer Ricker<br />Joseph Crehan... as Detective Johnson<br />Olin Howland... as Dr. Crocker<br /><br />Warren William's final cinematic take on the Perry Mason character is William Clemens' THE CASE OF THE VELVET CLAWS (1936). This one is unique because we see Perry Mason marry his long-time secretary, Della. But in true Perry Mason form, even their honeymoon is not complete with a mystery and a dead body to mix it up. Mason finds himself taking the case at gunpoint. And after the dead body shows up, it's he himself who is entangled as a suspect. While this storyline is weaker, the snappy one-liners are fun and Warren William always delivers a charming performance. <br /><u>Supporting cast:</u><br />Claire Dodd... returning as Della Street, Mason's secretary and now "the Mrs."<br />Wini Shaw... as Eva Belter<br />Bill Elliott... as Carl Griffin<br />Joe King... as George C. Belter<br />Addison Richards... as Frank Locke<br />Eddie Acuff... as Spudsy Drake (note the change-up)<br />Olin Howland... as Wilbur Strong<br /><br />It's interesting to watch the evolution of this Perry Mason characterization in the four films under Warren Williams' masterful craft. No doubt it is often more of a manifestation of its times than a strict reflection of Gardner's writings. Guaranteed, this is a Perry Mason unlike the Raymond Burr of more recent history. But if you're a fan of Warren William as I am (if you're not familiar with his talent- by all means, check him out!) and if you're unfamiliar with his Perry Mason roles, any of these films in this series is worth a viewing. <br /><br />This was my contribution the <a href="http://moviessilently.com/2014/03/16/sleuthathon-the-great-classic-detective-blogathon-is-here/">Sleuthathon Blogathon</a> hosted by the talented blogger Fritzi at Movies Silently. Please read all creative talents that are participating in this fun blogathon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhQMRP-DLlk/UyaF18vqa_I/AAAAAAAABvY/X5ibvZsl0sE/s1600/sleuthathon+banner.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></div>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-90797220977230302462014-03-05T01:32:00.001-08:002014-03-06T21:24:30.768-08:00Alfred Hitchcock's BLACKMAIL (1929) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-m5uvmNBnc/UxbsI-43VLI/AAAAAAAABtA/icFronxkXdQ/s1600/blackmail+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-m5uvmNBnc/UxbsI-43VLI/AAAAAAAABtA/icFronxkXdQ/s1600/blackmail+poster.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>This past week I had the privilege of seeing the last silent film of Alfred Hitchcock, BLACKMAIL (1929.) As part of the Downtown Classic Film Series at The Lawrence Arts Center, here in my town of Lawrence, Kansas, this screening was a real treat. I have seen several silent films in this "downtown Lawrence" series and this experience was no less special.<br /><br />BLACKMAIL (1929) stands out both as Alfred Hitchcock's final silent film but also as his first 'talkie.' Come again? You see, after Hitch started production of BLACKMAIL (1929) as a silent film, <i>British International Pictures</i> decided a sound version was needed in addition to appeal to the demands of audiences' curiosity for the new technology. But not all theaters were equipped for the sound version (only about 20% of British theaters), so both silent and sound versions were released across theaters at the same time. When I heard the silent version of this landmark Hitch thriller- a film I had never seen prior- was coming to my town with the famous Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra live musical accompaniment, I was all in. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llchcQdN60A/UxdS0VSznqI/AAAAAAAABtQ/PkWfJDpU4wg/s1600/blackmail+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llchcQdN60A/UxdS0VSznqI/AAAAAAAABtQ/PkWfJDpU4wg/s1600/blackmail+night.JPG" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>In the same fashion of what has become part of our own Kansas silent film tradition, my pork pie-wearing pal and fellow-Kansan Trevor (aka @tpjost on twitter) joined us for the event. After enjoying our scrumptious gourmet burgers and alcoholic milkshakes at the local eatery The Burger Stand, Trevor and I joined my hubby Gary for the evening's screening. To a nearly sold-out audience, fellow silent film supporter Bill Shaffer, President of the Kansas Silent Film Festival amongst other credits to his name, kicked off the event.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WBqsiQ-wxk/UxlRfHxiAiI/AAAAAAAABtk/557QdJDT_Kk/s1600/Anny+Ondra+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WBqsiQ-wxk/UxlRfHxiAiI/AAAAAAAABtk/557QdJDT_Kk/s1600/Anny+Ondra+1.JPG" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>Long before actresses like Kim Novak, Grace Kelly or Tippi Hedren, there was an archetypal Hitch blonde named Anny Ondra. Even in silent form back in 1929, BLACKMAIL holds all the signature key notes of a Hitch classic... murder, suspense, thrill and an alluring, sophisticated blonde whose sensual appeal is in direct contrast with an icier motive. Our story begins with femme fatale Alice White (portrayed By Anny Ondra) who is beautiful and charmingly expressive. She meets her loyal and straight-as-an-arrow Scotland Yard detective boyfriend Frank Webber (portrayed by John Longden) for a 'tea and a show' date. But at the bustling tea house she quickly comes up with an excuse to ditch her beau by purposefully starting an argument. She has her sights set on a date with another man. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcD9yUBrMHA/UxlX7cFymDI/AAAAAAAABuc/LxtX0vZaoBM/s1600/anny+painting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcD9yUBrMHA/UxlX7cFymDI/AAAAAAAABuc/LxtX0vZaoBM/s1600/anny+painting.png" /></a></div>Soon after, and with the anticipation of forbidden fruit, she leaves with her secret beau Mr. Crewe, a painter she secretly agreed to meet. They leave together, unaware as Webber looks on. Crewe invites her up to his artist studio apartment, as a pesky and menacing man named Tracy (Donald Cathrop) bothers them on the street. In his studio, Crewe shows her his artwork, she playfully paints a simple figure then he convinces her to pose in a ballerina outfit. Her bold behavior at first turns timorous but she complies. Soon she nervously realizes she may have gone too far, so she returns to changing back into her outfit as she arrived in. Crewe seizes the moment to show his true and unscrupulous colors. He grabs her, attempting to rape her. We see them struggling behind a curtain. In the struggle, her arm desperately flays about and desperately finds a knife near a loaf of bread. Soon it becomes clear that Crewe will no longer be a threat. In shock from the traumatic events that occurred just moments prior, she numbly puts back on her clothes, paints over her name on her signed artwork and grabs her bag to remove any evidence of her presence that night. She walks the streets in an empty gaze until morning; slipping in quietly to her flat as her landlord assumes she's been in bed all night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6FXUV6nOig/UxlRu7Yj-YI/AAAAAAAABts/HIeW-G6gyxA/s1600/Anny+Ondra+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6FXUV6nOig/UxlRu7Yj-YI/AAAAAAAABts/HIeW-G6gyxA/s1600/Anny+Ondra+2.JPG" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>Detective Webber joins his Scotland Yard colleagues to investigate the findings of Crewe's studio and his lifeless body. He stops abruptly as he discovers what he recognizes to be one of his girlfriend's gloves and he swiftly tucks it into his pocket before anyone else sees it. Meanwhile, Alice joins her parents at the breakfast table at their shop downstairs. They chatter on the buzz circling around town of the murdered man just around the corner. Alice is barely hanging on; trying to conceal her dark secret.<br /><br />Webber arrives and discreetly reveals her glove to Alice. He remains incredibly loyal and protective of her, despite her obvious indiscretions.&nbsp; Before she explains the full details of her connection to the murder, Tracy arrives. Not only does he recognize her from the night before from walking in with Crewe to his studio, but he also has a glove to reveal... her<i> other</i> missing glove of the pair. He minces no words in declaring his intentions. Thus the blackmail process commences.<br /><br />I won't share with you how successful the blackmailing worked out for Tracy, nor how Alice dealt with her tormented feelings in conflicted morality, nor how Webber handled both of them while juggling his duties as a detective. You'll have to watch it for yourself to see how the rest of the story plays out. After all, this is a Hitch film so a little suspense for such a deliciously dark secret should be expected.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JuvDfyJSC4/UxlXPj8Wu8I/AAAAAAAABuM/oTfWowt_0Jw/s1600/anny+o+and+hitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JuvDfyJSC4/UxlXPj8Wu8I/AAAAAAAABuM/oTfWowt_0Jw/s1600/anny+o+and+hitch.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></a></div>BLACKMAIL(1929) may have been Alfred Hitchcock's last silent film but it was not the first Hitch film for Anny Ondra. Earlier in the same year, they teamed up for MANXMAN (1929.) But when adding sound to BLACKMAIL (1929), Ondra's thick Czech accent from having spent her childhood in Prague proved to be too much. So actress Joan Barry 'dubbed' her voice for all the speaking parts, off camera. Despite her talent and beauty, that heavy accent ended Ondra's British film career but she continued a long and successful acting career in Germany (more than 88 films in her lifetime). She was also known for her 2nd marriage, to German boxing great Max Schmeling (from 1933 until her death in 1987.) Interestingly, this screening took place within a day to the 27th anniversary of her death. &nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5tTHM_eimw/UxlXfN5G02I/AAAAAAAABuU/_LkGGIuhjDw/s1600/anny+o+talkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5tTHM_eimw/UxlXfN5G02I/AAAAAAAABuU/_LkGGIuhjDw/s1600/anny+o+talkie.jpg" /></a></div>I couldn't help but notice the timing of Ondra's marriage, in 1933, to Schmeling and their continued residence in Germany for decades thereafter. Could it be possible that Anny Ondra and/or her husband Max Schmeling were... nazis?! I explored further and thanks to my overall ignorance on the topic of boxing, I learned a great deal about Schmeling. This was a simple and modest man and along with his beautiful movie-star wife, they became Germany's celebrity "it" couple. Max hung out with artists, filmmakers and writers. To build his boxing career on the world-stage, Schmeling spent time competing in America, which led to his heavyweight champion status and infamous fights with Joe Louis. (Yes, he's THAT guy.) I had a vague knowledge of this famous fight; one that was promoted as "Black vs. White" and "American vs. German" at the height of the nazi propaganda machine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57BVYNUbwyA/UxlUDEZOffI/AAAAAAAABuA/kvpFCDiwinc/s1600/Anny+and+Max+S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57BVYNUbwyA/UxlUDEZOffI/AAAAAAAABuA/kvpFCDiwinc/s1600/Anny+and+Max+S.png" /></a></div>This German victory was a source of pride for Hitler, appealing to his deep racism, and he used Max as a world trophy to that end- flying him back home in the Hindenburg and requested Schmeling continue to positively promote Germany across Europe and across seas. Anny Ondra even followed the Louis match-up with the German Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbel himself. It seemed obvious that Ondra and Schmeling were the nazi party's favored darlings. But some stories put a murkier light on their allegiances. For example, after a re-match between Louis and Schmeling in 1938 resulted in a Louis victory, it was that same year that Schmeling hid two teen sons of a Jewish friend in a hotel room for a couple of days while he pretended to be too ill to receive visitors. He was successful in sneaking the boys out of the country, to safety. Additionally, in 1954 Schmeling visited America and took the opportunity to visit with Joe Louis, from which they remained friends until Louis's death in 1981; even paying for a portion of his funeral.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvLQxtvvZD4/UxlTPXabutI/AAAAAAAABt4/j3fDJLa1C4o/s1600/anny+ondra+and+max+hitler.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvLQxtvvZD4/UxlTPXabutI/AAAAAAAABt4/j3fDJLa1C4o/s1600/anny+ondra+and+max+hitler.png" /></a></div>So were Anny Ondra and husband Max Schmeling nazis? Or party patsies? Were they playing the game or being played? Or perhaps they were pampered survivalists who chose to ignore their moral compasses unless reality struck too close to home?<br /><br />Alfred Hitchcock's BLACKMAIL (1929) is an intriguing film that pushes the ethical envelope with a background story beyond the life of the lens that is equally as fascinating and replete with moral complexities. For you Hitch fans, yes there's a wonderfully climatic chase at the end- which takes place in the Egyptian exhibit of the British Museum. And of course, it would not be complete without a Hitch cameo. That's charmingly placed in there, too... &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-1257976557708217522014-02-08T21:27:00.001-08:002014-02-10T17:05:13.864-08:00week 2: 31 DAYS OF OSCAR Blogathon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry06nVi6sgA/UvZcM7Z0ATI/AAAAAAAABsI/LgK1fMe63Rs/s1600/Fontaine+Oscar+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry06nVi6sgA/UvZcM7Z0ATI/AAAAAAAABsI/LgK1fMe63Rs/s1600/Fontaine+Oscar+banner.jpg" height="320" width="266" /> </a></div>We have now entered into the 2nd week of the 31 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON! Aurora (@citizenscreen) of <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>, Paula (@Paula_Guthat) of <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/">Paula's Cinema Club</a> and Kellee (@IrishJayhawk66) of <a href="http://www.kelleepratt.blogspot.com/">Outspoken &amp; Freckled</a> bring you this mega blogathon celebrating the very best in cinema! To coincide with Turner Classic Movie's (TCM) month-long broadcast of all things Oscar<i>, 31 Days of Oscar</i>...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://31days.tcm.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tcm" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20165" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tcm.jpg?w=700" height="300" width="300" /></a></div>The blogging trio decided to amp up the fun to this year's event by adding a different theme to each of the five weeks. And for this 2nd week, we celebrate all the various contributors that add <i>flavor </i>to a film... the writing, musical score and songs, costumes, choreography, the cinema photography, art direction... basically, anything goes this week. With so much emphasis generally placed upon the performances and overall direction of a film, we wanted to devote a week to all the talented artists and craftsmen of film that don't always receive such a bright spotlight. And yet, we all know these masterpieces would not be the classics they've become without them. So now we humbly sing their praises!<br /><br />Here are this week's list of bloggers extraordinaire...<br /><br />First up, we get all glammed up as Kimberly (@GlamAmor) from <a href="http://www.glamamor.com/">GLAM</a><i><a href="http://www.glamamor.com/">AMOR</a> </i>brings us her latest entry for Style Essentials with <a href="http://www.glamamor.com/2014/02/AvaGardnerVeraWestTheKillers.html?m=1">"Ava Gardner is Dressed to Kill in Vera West for 1946's THE KILLERS"</a><br /><br />Continuing in a fashionable theme, Kay (@KayStarStyle) from <a href="http://www.moviestarmakeover.com/">MOVIE STAR MAKEOVER</a> reminisces on the best red carpet style successes from the Oscars with <a href="http://moviestarmakeover.com/2014/02/08/retro-red-carpet-review/">"Retro Red Carpet Review"</a>&nbsp; <br /><br /><a href="http://caftanwoman.blogspot.ca/">CAFTAN WOMAN</a> (@CaftanWoman) revisits the fourteen original songs introduced by Bing Crosby, nominated for Best Song Oscars over the course of his film history in <a href="http://caftanwoman.blogspot.ca/2014/02/31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-sing-song-of.html">"Sing A Song of Oscar"</a> &nbsp; <br /><br />Minoo from <a href="http://www.classicmoviehub.com/">CLASSIC MOVIE HUB BLOG</a> (@classicmoviehub) takes a twist on the auteur theory with cinematographer master <a href="http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-gregg-toland-the-second-genius-of-citizen-kane/">"Gregg Toland: The Second Genius of CITIZEN KANE"</a><br /><br />Margaret (@MargaretPerryKH) of the <a href="http://margaretperry.org/">MARGARET PERRY</a> Blog takes a look at the Oscar nominated writing partnership and long-lasting friendships between the Kanin/Gordon writing team and Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in <a href="http://margaretperry.org/ruth-gordon-and-garson-kanin-write-for-the-silver-screens-dream-team/">"Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin write for the silver screen's dream team"</a><br /><br />Fritzi (@moviessilently) of <a href="http://moviessilently.com/">MOVIES SILENTLY</a> reflects back on the writing of the uniquely categorized nominations of the very first Oscars in <a href="http://moviessilently.com/2014/02/08/the-silent-oscars/">"The Silent Oscars" </a><br /><br />Kelly (@popcornnmovies) of <a href="http://onpopcornandmovies.blogspot.com/">...ON POPCORN AND MOVIES</a> devotes her post to the beautiful 2005 film adaption that practically swept all the "art" categories with six Academy Awards nominations, <a href="http://onpopcornandmovies.blogspot.com/2014/02/memoirs-of-geishain-need-of-no-words.html?m=1">"MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA... in need of no words..." </a><br /><a href="http://www.thevintagecameo.com/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.thevintagecameo.com/">THE VINTAGE CAMEO</a> (@vintagecameos) waxes melancholy on the Oscar categories that have gone extinct with <a href="http://www.thevintagecameo.com/2014/02/oscar-category-spotlight-best-dance-direction">"Forgotten Oscars: Best Dance Direction"</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imaginemdd.blogspot.com/">IMAGINEMDD</a> (@ImagineMDD) gets musical with her favorite Oscar song winners: <a href="http://www.imaginemdd.blogspot.com/2014/02/15-great-early-best-original-song-oscar.html">"15 Great Early Best Original Song Oscar Winners"&nbsp; </a><br /><br />Jack Deth posting on <a href="http://www.paulascinemaclub.com/">PAULA'S CINEMA CLUB</a> lends huge kudos to 1976 Best Costume Design Oscar winners Milena Cannonero and Ulla-Britt Sonderlundin in, <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/2014/02/09/31-days-of-oscar-costuming-barry-lyndon-1975/">"Costuming BARRY LYNDON (1975) by Jack Deth"</a><br /><br />Constance from <a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/">SILVER SCENES</a> Blog joins in with a delightful tribute to the entertaining editor with perfect comedic timing best known for his Disney films, <a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/editor-cotton-warburton.html">"Editor- Cotton Warburton"</a><br /><br />Victoria (@miss_vicki) of <a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/">GIRLS DO FILM</a> offers up a wonderful review of two films of the same story with Oscar winning results like Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design with,<a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/the-spectacle-of-moulin-rouge"> "The Spectacle of MOULIN ROUGE"&nbsp;&nbsp;</a><br /><br />Angela (@MaterialGirl850) over at <a href="http://hollywoodrevue.wordpress.com/">THE HOLLYWOOD REVUE</a> orchestrates a melodic perspective on the magical relationship between film and song with, <a href="http://hollywoodrevue.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/the-power-of-an-original-song/">"The Power Of An Original Song" </a><br /><br />Thanks so much to all of our wonderful bloggers for contributing their splendid write-ups! Be sure to read and comment on their blogs. Here's the full schedule of each themed week...<br /><br /><b>WEEK 1</b> - the weekend of Feb 1-2 - the topic: (read all the posts here-&gt;) <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2014/02/week-1-31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-2014.html"><b>SNUBS!</b></a>&nbsp; <br /><b>WEEK 2</b> – this weekend of February 8-9 – the topics are: &nbsp;<b>Music, Costumes, Cinematography, Writing, etc.</b> &nbsp;You name it, it’s in!<br /><b>WEEK 3</b> – the weekend of February 15-16 – <b>Actors!</b> &nbsp;Lead and supporting take center stage!<br /><b>WEEK 4</b> – the weekend of February 22-23 – <b>The Directors! &nbsp;</b><br /><b>WEEK 5</b> – the weekend of February 28-March 1 – <b>THE MOVIES! &nbsp;</b><br /><br />That's right- with three more weeks to go, there's still more time to join in the blogging fun! Since we're taking turns hosting, you can submit topics either by leaving comments on any of our blogs, via twitter or by email. &nbsp;We kindly ask that you please include the following:<br /><ul><li>Title and link to your blog</li><li>contact information</li><li>Topic</li></ul>It would also be great if you can include any of the event banners included in this post on your blog to help us promote the event.<br />SO – write to your heart’s desire! &nbsp;Write one post or several on each topic. &nbsp;But write! &nbsp;And join us.<br /><br /><i>Happy Blogging, Oscar fans!</i><br /><br /><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-49328116342267235132014-02-03T12:05:00.000-08:002014-02-03T12:05:13.054-08:00week 1: 31 DAYS OF OSCAR Blogathon 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jID9VoheVSE/Uu80sWAq4aI/AAAAAAAABrk/j9UtmdLTf64/s1600/Poitier+Oscar+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jID9VoheVSE/Uu80sWAq4aI/AAAAAAAABrk/j9UtmdLTf64/s1600/Poitier+Oscar+banner.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>The 2nd annual 31 DAYS OF OSCAR Blogathon has begun! To coincide with Turner Classic Movie's (TCM) month-long broadcast of all things Oscar<i>, 31 Days of Oscar</i>...<br /><br /><a href="http://31days.tcm.com/"><img alt="tcm" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20165" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tcm.jpg?w=700" height="300" width="300" /></a><br />Aurora (@citizenscreen) of <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>, Paula (@Paula_Guthat) of <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/">Paula's Cinema Club</a> and Kellee (@IrishJayhawk66) of <a href="http://www.kelleepratt.blogspot.com/">Outspoken &amp; Freckled</a> bring you this mega blogathon celebrating the very best in cinema! The blogging trio decided to amp up the fun to this year's event by adding a different theme to each of the five weeks. For our first week, we're kicking it off by honoring the talented contributors of film who, despite arguable evidence to the contrary, were passed over for the coveted Academy Award.<br /><br />So, here is a list of our talented participating bloggers asserting their best arguments in support of those unrecognized, we now bring you... "SNUBS."<br /><br />First up, the <a href="http://www.thevintagecameo.com/">VINTAGE CAMEO</a> (@vintagecameos) blog discusses the snubbing of 'frequently nominated but consistently overlooked for the win' director <a href="http://www.thevintagecameo.com/2014/02/oscar-snubs-alfred-hitchcock">"Oscar Snubs-Alfred Hitchcock"</a>: As she aptly states, "Academy’s notorious, career-spanning snub of Alfred Hitchcock—one of film history’s most enduringly entertaining AND well-respected filmmakers—is especially perplexing."<br /><br />Next, our 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon co-host Aurora (@citizenscreen) of <a href="http://www.aurorasginjoint.com/">ONCE UPON A SCREEN</a> brings to light, <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/2014/02/02/the-snubbing-of-barton-keyes/">"The Snubbing of Barton Keyes." </a>In review of the overlooked performance of Edward G. Robinson's iconic role in Double Indemnity (1944), Aurora writes: "Robinson’s depiction of the ruthless, irritable, funny, big-hearted, insurance adjuster with the “little man” who lives in his gut that serves as a warning when some claim seems “off,” is unforgettable."<br /><br />Ruth of <a href="http://silverscreenings.org/">SILVER SCREENINGS</a> (@925Screenings) offers up <a href="http://silverscreenings.org/2014/01/31/gunfight-at-the-o-k-corral/">"Oscar Snub: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."</a> In defense of the screenplay that never received the Oscar nom, she adds, "The script has all the hallmarks of a great western: memorable lines, interesting characters, and authentic-looking sets."<br /><br />The Gal Herself of <a href="http://onegalsmusings.blogspot.com/">ONE GAL'S MUSINGS</a> discusses the Oscar snubs of Richard Burton in <a href="http://onegalsmusings.blogspot.com/2014/01/31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-oscar-snubs.html">"Richard Burton's Bad Luck with Drunk Cowboys."&nbsp; </a><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>As she describes his predicament- he was "tormented by the choices he'd made... Burton believed that an Oscar would be tangible evidence that it all had been worth it."<br /><br /><a href="http://flickchick1953.blogspot.com/">A PERSON IN THE DARK</a> gives us the <a href="http://flickchick1953.blogspot.com/2014/02/31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-2-oscar.html">"2 Oscar Snubs That Really Irk Me." </a>FlickChick has "a list of gripes and grievances a mile long" but she's chosen to "just share 2 of the snubbed ones that really, really irk me" with the performances of Jean Hagan as Lina Lamont in "Singin' In The Rain" (1952) and Robert Preston as Toddy in "Victor/Victoria" (1982)<br /><br /><a href="http://imaginemdd.blogspot.com/">ImagineMDD</a> (@ImagineMDD) evaluates the obvious oversight of <a href="http://imaginemdd.blogspot.com/2014/01/bringing-up-cary-grant-and-oscars.html">"Bringing Up Cary Grant and Oscars"</a> with a detailed breakdown of his remarkable yet snubbed performances. With 72 films- many as popular then as they remain now- it's hard to believe he only received 2 noms for Best Actor?!<br /><br />Next up, Kelly (@popcornnmovies) over at <a href="http://onpopcornandmovies.blogspot.com/">ON POPCORN AND MOVIES</a> provides a delicious serving of the many snub highlights over the years of Oscar history in <a href="http://onpopcornandmovies.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-do-you-wantawards-or-iconic.html#comment-form">"What Do You Want... Awards or Iconic?"</a> &nbsp; <br /><br />One of the lovely Metzinger sisters, Connie, at <a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/">SILVER SCENES Blog</a> builds a compelling case for the snubbed yet grand sets in the film "Suez" (1938), <a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/set-design-suez-1938.html">"Set Design - Suez" (1938)</a>&nbsp; As Connie points out, "it remains an entertaining and thrilling spectacle." <br /><br />Next, Marlee of <a href="http://picturespoilers.blogspot.com/">PICTURE SPOILERS</a> reveals a biopic view of Marion Benson Owens aka Frances Marion for her unsung works in <a href="http://picturespoilers.wordpress.com/2014/02/02/the-second-annual-muse-awards-31-days-of-oscar-blogathon/">The Second Annual Muse Awards: 31 Days of Oscar Blogathon&nbsp; </a><br /><br />Minoo on the <a href="http://classicmoviehub.com/">CLASSIC MOVIE HUB BLOG</a> justifiably argues for <a href="http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/31-days-of-oscar-blogathon-oscar-snubs-myrna-loy/">Oscar Snub- Myrna Loy</a>. As&nbsp;Minoo scribes regarding one of&nbsp;Loy's&nbsp;most memorable roles... "The fact that Loy wasn’t even nominated for this touching, poignant and truthful performance is certainly one of the Oscars’ biggest snubs."<br /><br />Finally, fellow 31 DAYS OF OSCAR co-host Paula of <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/">PAULA'S CINEMA CLUB</a> passionately protests the <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/2014/02/03/31-days-snubs-stanwyck-stella-dallas/">Oscar Snub: Barbara Stanwyck in STELLA DALLAS.</a> As&nbsp;Paula astutely observes, "I also think the realism of Stanwyck’s performance may have been another contributing factor. She is always so natural, and almost never seems to be acting."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Thank you for taking the time to read these fabulous SNUB posts from these participating bloggers. And be sure to let them know your&nbsp;'2 cents'&nbsp;by leaving a commentary on their blogs. There's still plenty of time to join the other weeks of 31 DAYS OF OSCAR...<br /><br /><strong>WEEK 2</strong> – the weekend of February 8-9 – the topics are: &nbsp;<strong>Music, Costumes, Cinematography, Writing, etc.</strong> &nbsp;You name it, it’s in!<br /><strong>WEEK 3</strong> – the weekend of February 15-16 – <strong>Actors!</strong> &nbsp;Lead and supporting take center stage!<br /><strong>WEEK 4</strong> – the weekend of February 22-23 – <strong>The Directors! &nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>WEEK 5</strong> – the weekend of February 28-March 1 – <strong>THE MOVIES! &nbsp;</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Since we are taking turns hosting, you can submit topics either by leaving comments on any of our blogs, via twitter or by email. &nbsp;We kindly ask that you please include the following:<br /><ul><li>Title and link to your blog</li><li>contact information</li><li>Topic</li></ul>It would also be great if you can include any of the event banners included in this post on your blog to help us promote the event.<br /> SO – write to your heart’s desire! &nbsp;Write one post or several on each topic. &nbsp;But write! &nbsp;And join us.<br /><br /><em>Happy Blogging, Oscar fans!</em>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-14876823814580046112014-01-22T19:02:00.000-08:002014-01-22T19:02:38.935-08:0031 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON 2014<em><strong>“I’ll tell you this about the Oscars – they’re real.”</strong> </em>- William H. Macy<br />And so is this blogathon!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxp4aufvREw/UuB8kCNLIdI/AAAAAAAABqI/TYX4EC3NqHQ/s1600/audrey+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxp4aufvREw/UuB8kCNLIdI/AAAAAAAABqI/TYX4EC3NqHQ/s1600/audrey+flat.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>For the second year in a row&nbsp;Kellee (@<a href="https://twitter.com/IrishJayhawk66" target="_blank" title="irishjayhawk66 ">IrishJayHawk66</a>)&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="outspoken and freckled">Outspoken and Freckled</a>, Paula (@<a href="https://twitter.com/Paula_Guthat" target="_blank" title="paula guthat twitter">Paula_Guthat</a>)&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/" target="_blank" title="paula's cinema club">Paula’s Cinema Club</a>&nbsp;and Aurora (@<a href="https://twitter.com/CitizenScreen" target="_blank" title="citizenscreen twitter">CitizenScreen</a>) of&nbsp;<a href="http://onceuponascreen.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" title="once upon a screen">Once Upon a Screen</a>&nbsp;bring&nbsp;you a mammoth blogathon event to coincide with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tcm.com/" target="_blank" title="tcm">Turner Classic Movie’s&nbsp;</a>(TCM)&nbsp;<em><strong>31 Days of Oscar&nbsp;…</strong></em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tcm" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20165" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tcm.jpg?w=700" />&nbsp;</strong></div>This promises to be another February filled with fabulous tales and screen wonders – many of the stories, players and films featured on TCM all month long. &nbsp;In fact, the network is kicking things off this year in spectacular style on February 1st by featuring all of the Best Picture nominees from Hollywood’s Golden Year, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary! (That would be&nbsp;<a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/2014/01/13/heres-to-you-1939/" target="_blank">1939</a>, by the way) In addition, they are also screening the world premiere of the new, TCM original documentary, “And the Oscar Goes To…” that day. &nbsp;(Click on the TCM logo above for details and schedule). &nbsp;In short, if you can’t take the entire month of February off from work or send your kids to your relatives then be sure to clear your DVRs!<br /><br />AND join the blogathon. &nbsp;Share stories about the films and players in Oscar’s distinguished history. &nbsp;Tell us about which films, actors or directors deserved an Oscar nod and were ignored <em>or</em> about which films inspire you with their music or lighting. We are not limiting this event to&nbsp;classic film fare, we want to see and hear it all from the golden man’s more than eighty-five year history – including information and commentaries on this year’s nominees.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-3tc109GIo/UuB_n50ME2I/AAAAAAAABqQ/E0GbKkKKBuk/s1600/Poitier+Oscar+banner+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="os2" class="aligncenter wp-image-20153" height="346" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/os2.jpg?w=288&amp;h=346" width="288" /></a></div>So, here’s the plan as we are&nbsp;doing things a little different this year by focusing on a different Oscars topic each week:<br /><strong>WEEK 1</strong> – the weekend of February 1-2 – the topic is <strong>Oscar Snubs</strong>! &nbsp;Let’s let the venting kick things off!<br /><strong>WEEK 2</strong> – the weekend of February 8-9 – the topics are: &nbsp;<strong>Music, Costumes, Cinematography, Writing, etc.</strong> &nbsp;You name it, it’s in!<br /><strong>WEEK 3</strong> – the weekend of February 15-16 – <strong>Actors!</strong> &nbsp;Lead and supporting take center stage!<br /><strong>Week 4</strong> – the weekend of February 22-23 – <strong>The Directors! &nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>Week 5</strong> – the weekend of February 28-March 1 – <strong>THE MOVIES! &nbsp;</strong><br />We are taking turns hosting, but you can submit topics either by leaving comments on any of our blogs, via twitter or by email. &nbsp;We ask that you please include the following:<br /><ul><li>Title and link to your blog</li><li>contact information</li><li>Topic</li></ul>It would also be great if you can include any of the event banners included in this post on your blog to help us promote the event.<br />SO – write to your heart’s desire! &nbsp;Write one post or several on each topic. &nbsp;But write! &nbsp;And join us.<br /><em>In the meantime…</em><br /><strong>Here’s to Oscar, to TCM and to YOU!</strong><br />Happy blogging!<br />PS – You may want to peruse&nbsp;<a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/31-days-of-oscar/" target="_blank">the entries for last year’s event</a> – it was absolutely fantastic and I’ve no doubt you’ll be duly impressed.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">◊</div>Here are some more banners that I created for this fun blogathon below...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMo1D1na8qQ/UuCCeRgQRJI/AAAAAAAABqY/iyZsABtjf04/s1600/Leigh+Oscar+banner+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leigh Oscar banner" class="aligncenter wp-image-20151" height="346" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/leigh-oscar-banner.jpg?w=288&amp;h=346" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x97bPE3l1Xk/UuCCzveJzCI/AAAAAAAABqg/DABzKAGUMkM/s1600/Fontaine+Oscar+banner+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="un" class="aligncenter wp-image-20154" height="346" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/un.jpg?w=288&amp;h=346" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-t1hhrUjsg/UuCDiqmZ5KI/AAAAAAAABqw/LZsjUuAT4Ck/s1600/Oscar+banner_Temple+and+Colbert+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="os3" class="aligncenter wp-image-20155" height="346" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/os3.jpg?w=288&amp;h=346" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKuCy9kT5Dk/UuCFuDXK9nI/AAAAAAAABq8/hWjpZG8I6BY/s1600/sinatra+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKuCy9kT5Dk/UuCFuDXK9nI/AAAAAAAABq8/hWjpZG8I6BY/s1600/sinatra+flat.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><em></em>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-16213275692895844692014-01-13T23:46:00.002-08:002014-01-14T05:47:06.181-08:001933: A MAGICAL YEAR IN FILM<br />The year is 1933. According to astronomers, "one of the first observations suggesting the existence of an invisible dark matter came in 1933 when astronomer Fritz Zwicky noticed that galaxy clusters were more energetic than they should be, according to the mass of visible stars in them, and he proposed dark matter to explain the discrepancy."* Yes, darkness was all around in 1933 but there was indeed an inexplicable surge of energy in the air. This year represented a tremendous pinnacle of news headlines in history, rarely seen before...<br />-Hitler's rise to power followed by his systematic genocide of millions of Jews and other citizens<br />-Inauguration of our 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his promise to irradicate the Great Depression<br />-end of Prohibition<br />-Mt. Rushmore is dedicated<br />-1st Drive-In theater is opened<br />-Golden Gate bridge construction commences<br />-countless federal programs start to stimulate the U.S. economy such as: FDIC, PWA, and National Recovery Act<br />-Congress passes 1st minimum wage law<br />-FM radio is patented <br />-1st airplane to exceed record-breaking 300 mph<br />-1st solo flight around the world&nbsp; <br />-Lou Gehrig breaks baseball record by playing 1,308th consecutive game&nbsp; <br />-Albert Einstein arrives in the U.S. as a refugee from Germany<br /><br />1933 was a year that despite such dark and troubling times, there was also a backlash of incredible hope and creative achievements, unparalleled to any other time in history. This is perfectly reflected in the artistic accomplishments of film. Here is a sampling of some of the best of the best of 1933...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryv4XXZk_l8/UsTzH3HFd4I/AAAAAAAABnE/8kbEnDcesxs/s1600/1933+King+Kong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryv4XXZk_l8/UsTzH3HFd4I/AAAAAAAABnE/8kbEnDcesxs/s1600/1933+King+Kong.jpg" /> </a></div><u>KING KONG (1933):</u><br />Merian C. Cooper's and Ernest B. Schoedsack's (both uncredited) KING KONG (1933) was a masterful love story on a colossal scale and like never seen before. It's a story of a rag-tag film crew who turn into thrill-seekers as they discover the greatest adventure of their lives. On a remote island that's been forgotten by time, they encounter a violent world of prehistoric creatures, primitive natives and a giant gorilla- who falls for beauty. From an attempt to capture and exploit this fifty foot (or so the poster projects) anomaly of nature, Kong is taken to New York and reveals that he is not so beastly as all assume. With the mastery of Ray Harryhausen, Kong evokes such incredible sympathy through pathos that beauty is not the only one to fall in love with him, we all do.<br /><br />-&gt;With a budget of $670,000 KING KONG has garnered over $1,856,000 in its original release.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <u><br /></u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtfbUxHj4tw/UsT0frFeEtI/AAAAAAAABnQ/VH7dnjVM7C0/s1600/1933+Gold+Diggers+coins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtfbUxHj4tw/UsT0frFeEtI/AAAAAAAABnQ/VH7dnjVM7C0/s320/1933+Gold+Diggers+coins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u>GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933:</u><br />Mervyn LeRoy's GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 is my favorite musical of all time. The story is as simple and fun as a musical should be. A millionaire (Dick Powell) goes incognito to save an unemployed troupe of actors/singers/dancers and helps save the day. They put on a spectacular show and find love, too.&nbsp; And to say it's a spectacular show is truly a gross understatement. Thanks to the genius that is Busby Berkeley, the musical numbers are breath-taking. The set designs are finely-tuned in choreography, resulting in brilliant songs, dancing and original costumes. With song classics like "We're In The Money" and "Pettin' In The Park" the musical numbers are unforgettable. But the closing number that tops them all is a surprisingly somber dose of the realism of the times, "Remember My Forgotten Man." The cast is a delightful array of talent, including: Warren William, Joan Blondell, Ginger Rogers, Ruby Keeler, Guy Kibbee, Ned Sparks, and Aline MacMahon. And the tip I can give regarding this film: it's the perfect film to watch when you're feeling down and out (which is exactly the effect this film was shooting for.)&nbsp; <br />-&gt; Nominated for an Oscar: Best Sound<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpTFx9KAJm4/UtN13gGqqSI/AAAAAAAABn0/y5pdbzJB0M0/s1600/42nd+street.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpTFx9KAJm4/UtN13gGqqSI/AAAAAAAABn0/y5pdbzJB0M0/s1600/42nd+street.png" /></a></div><u>42nd STREET:</u><br />Lloyd Bacon's 42nd STREET (1933) is yet another behind-the-scenes ramp-up to a Broadway musical premiere featuring the brilliant Busby Berkeley musical numbers. The story deals with love triangles from the show financial backer to the star of the show to the chorus girl- who ultimately replaces the lead at the last-minute. More catchy tunes emerge including: "Forty-Second Street," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me." The cast repeats many of the same actors from GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 plus more including: Dick Powell, Bebe Daniels, Warner Baxter, Ruby Keeler, George Brent, Ginger Rogers, Una Merkel, Ned Sparks and Guy Kibbee.&nbsp; <br />-&gt; With a budget of $439,000, this was a box office success of $2,250,000 <br />-&gt; Nominated for 2 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Sound<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1Akq6MmVAM/UtRxbCPpLCI/AAAAAAAABoE/H7Bc6WyA1uM/s1600/Duck+Soup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1Akq6MmVAM/UtRxbCPpLCI/AAAAAAAABoE/H7Bc6WyA1uM/s1600/Duck+Soup.png" /></a></div><u>DUCK SOUP:</u><br />Leo McCarey's DUCK SOUP (1933) is an over-the-top silly musical comedy that pokes fun at politics. In the tiny state of Freedonia, things are a mess of financial ruin. But the chaos and utter silliness really ramps up as they borrow money from wealthy widow Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) who appoints Rufus T. Firefly as the new President (Groucho Marx) who mixes it up with spies (Chico and Harpo Marx) from neighboring Sylvania. This is considered by many to be the best of all the Marx Brothers films and stars all four brothers (Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo.) As always with a good Marx Brothers' film, the best part is the madcap mayhem and goofy writing that keeps everyone in stitches...<br /><u>Chicolini<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0555597/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character"></span></a>:</u> "Now I aska you one. What has a trunk, but no key, weighs 2,000 pounds and lives in a circus?"<br /><u>Prosecutor:</u> "That's irrelevant." <br /><span class="character"><u>Chicolini:</u> "</span>Irrelephant? Hey, that'sa that answer. There's a whole lot of irrelephants in the circus." <br /><br />Despite it being considered best of the Marx Brothers films and the 6th top-grossing film in 1933, critics were less than flattering. With its overt mockery of politics, Mussolini himself banned it in Italy. Regarding its significance Groucho dismayed, "What significance? We were just four Jews trying to get a laugh."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOo5HzkYzE4/UtRyVhxH9DI/AAAAAAAABoM/qxo7sFhxHsI/s1600/Footlight+Parade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOo5HzkYzE4/UtRyVhxH9DI/AAAAAAAABoM/qxo7sFhxHsI/s1600/Footlight+Parade.png" /></a></div><u>FOOTLIGHT PARADE:</u><br />Lloyd Bacon's FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933) is another dazzling musical spectacular with the mammoth-scale productions of Busby Berkeley. This time James Cagney joins the list of talent as he portrays Chester Kent, who is challenged by a rival and battles against time to create three major musical stage productions. The cast is stellar again: Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Frank McHugh, Guy Kibbee, and Hugh Herbert. There's nothing subtle about these Pre-Code musical numbers: "Honeymoon Hotel," "By A Waterfall," and "Shanghai Lil."&nbsp; They're all brimming with incredible song and dance and the most gorgeous set design. In particular, 'the human waterfall' is a visual feast. It's virtually impossible to watch this film without smiling, tapping your feet and finding yourself humming these catchy tunes for hours to come.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvPB9TwfyAw/UtSA1KRBNdI/AAAAAAAABoc/sXa5v0hkoBw/s1600/Invisible+Man.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvPB9TwfyAw/UtSA1KRBNdI/AAAAAAAABoc/sXa5v0hkoBw/s1600/Invisible+Man.png" /></a></div><u>THE INVISIBLE MAN: </u><br />James Whale's THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933) takes H.G. Wells' classic story of mad scientist to a whole new level of innovation. Starring Claude Rains is (credited simply as "the invisible man") the scientist who discovers the magic formula for invisibility and goes insane in the process. What makes this film so entertaining are the special effects. Considering the time, it's still impressive and somehow surprisingly effective when you see the scenes of unraveling bandages and even a riderless bicycle strolling down the street. That, and Una O'Connor's screeches. It's remains a classic of horror in an age of high-tech film making. Now that's magic! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEVALIr8WRA/UtSLs9H9UQI/AAAAAAAABos/9_yscyUSvck/s1600/Baby+Face.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEVALIr8WRA/UtSLs9H9UQI/AAAAAAAABos/9_yscyUSvck/s1600/Baby+Face.png" /></a></div><u>BABY FACE:</u><br />Alfred E. Green's BABY FACE (1933) is the ultimate Barbara Stanwyck's woman-gone-bad Pre-Code. Lily (Barbara Stanwyck) climbs the social and economic ladder with her body and feminine wiles to go from the speakeasy to the penthouse. Here she gets advice on how to conduct herself on her last few bucks: <a href="http://fw.to/kO41Q6c" target="_blank">Baby Face (1933) -- (Movie Clip) Not A Slave</a><br /><br />Barbara Stanwyck in a Pre-Code? Sublime! Some of the other fabulous cast: George Brent, John Wayne, Donald Cook, Alphonse Ethier, Henry Kolker, Margaret Lindsay, and Douglass Dumbrille. &nbsp; <br />This film is a typical Pre-Code in that it was so racy the original version (which was lost until this uncensored cut was discovered in 2004 at the Library of Congress in Dayton, Ohio and restored a year later) was deemed inappropriate (even for this "pre-Code" period when Hays Code enforcement didn't really get hard-core until the next year) then re-cut to pass the NY state Censorship Board and launched with great success. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgqqDa24IGg/UtS8A1CdInI/AAAAAAAABo8/SvXc8iM43og/s1600/Dinner+at+eight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgqqDa24IGg/UtS8A1CdInI/AAAAAAAABo8/SvXc8iM43og/s1600/Dinner+at+eight.png" /></a></div><u>DINNER AT EIGHT:</u><br />What a cast! What a fun film! George Cukor's DINNER AT EIGHT (1933) is exactly what the title alludes to- a film surrounding the stressful moments and an intimate look at life of the wealthy preparing for a dinner party, to help save the family business and challenges of clashing classes. Basically, pure fluff and humor all the way. With a splendid cast (Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, Wallace Beery, fellow Kansas native Jean Harlow, Lionel Barrymore, Edmund Lowe, plus Billie Burke) and snappy, sharp writing to match: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001318/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Kitty</span></a>: I was reading a book the other day. <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0237597/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Carlotta</span></a>: Reading a book?<br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001318/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Kitty</span></a>: Yes. It's all about civilization or something. A nutty kind of a book. Do you know that the guy says that machinery is going to take the place of every profession? <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0237597/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Carlotta</span></a>: Oh, my dear, that's something you need never worry about.<br /><br />DINNER AT EIGHT (1933) is a showcase of the utterly carefree wealthy class mixed with street-sharp humor that makes this another perfect example of Pre-Code magic as typified this year in film.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdW0sw9T5mo/UtTLeMH3BuI/AAAAAAAABpI/wjpLVtlxuEw/s1600/Little+Women+1933.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdW0sw9T5mo/UtTLeMH3BuI/AAAAAAAABpI/wjpLVtlxuEw/s1600/Little+Women+1933.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smyYIrIpGfk/UtTLzmwZ1fI/AAAAAAAABpQ/75RoCHFnaGk/s1600/Little+Women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smyYIrIpGfk/UtTLzmwZ1fI/AAAAAAAABpQ/75RoCHFnaGk/s1600/Little+Women.jpg" /></a></div><u>LITTLE WOMEN:</u><br />George Cukor's LITTLE WOMEN (1933) is just one of many film versions of Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic novel. Most of us have read the book and/or seen more than one film adaptation of this story of four sisters Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy who grow into women and discover their own paths in life through their father serving in the Civil War and their strong mother leading the charge of these young women as they explore adulthood, love and life's passions.&nbsp; With an impeccable cast (Katherine Hepburn, Joan Bennett, Paul Lukas, Edna May Oliver, Jean Parker, Frances Dee, Henry Stephenson, Douglass Montgomery, John Lodge, Spring Byington, Samuel S. Hinds...) this classic lives up to its high expectations. In my humble opinion, most of the credit for this gem goes to the director, George Cukor, and the main star, Katherine Hepburn. I can't think of any other actress who embodies the role of the ever strong, down-to-earth and talented 'Jo' than Hepburn.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly6xuCSVRvM/UtTPpH3XCII/AAAAAAAABpc/KzjjkqxWaYw/s1600/Queen+Christina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly6xuCSVRvM/UtTPpH3XCII/AAAAAAAABpc/KzjjkqxWaYw/s1600/Queen+Christina.jpg" /></a></div><u>QUEEN CHRISTINA:</u><br />Rouben Mamoulian's QUEEN CHRISTINA (1933) is loosely based on the real-life 17th Century queen of Sweden and her challenges and choices of ruling and being reign to the throne as a woman. It was both a great commercial and critical success. After a long hiatus from film, this marked Greta Garbo's return to the screen after a 18 month absence. She insisted on partnering with her co-star of many features, John Gilbert. While Garbo was popular for her smoldering close-ups in the silents, she was also well-received again in 'talkies.' Unfortunately, Gilbert's transition (many say due to his less than appealing voice) was not so well received. This was their last film appearance together. &nbsp; <br /><br />According to IMDb, there were 1,476 film titles released in 1933. Too many great ones to adequately mention here so I only highlighted a few. Some others not detailed above include two classics featuring Mae West: Wesley Ruggles' I'M NO ANGEL and Lowell Sherman's SHE DONE HIM WRONG (including a very young and sexy Cary Grant). The year 1933 also marked the screen debut of Fred Astaire in Robert Z. Leonard's DANCING LADY (starring Clark Gable and Joan Crawford). Astaire returned the same year to light the world on fire with his on-screen dancing partnership with Ginger Rogers in Thornton Freeland's FLYING DOWN TO RIO. The film triumphs that were created in this year are truly overwhelming.<br /><br />This year was exceptional yet not surprising as films are frequently a product of the times and environment. From dark and racy Pre-Codes to shimmering grandiose of Busby Berkeley musicals and much more, this was a year of rare qualities. In the darkest of times, the stars that emerge shine the brightest thanks to the darkness of the heavens. I will happily continue to gaze upon the stars of 1933...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnK89R5l7ic/UtToZHnEGnI/AAAAAAAABpk/W7RxKm8XKbY/s1600/History+Movie+Project+blogathon+banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnK89R5l7ic/UtToZHnEGnI/AAAAAAAABpk/W7RxKm8XKbY/s320/History+Movie+Project+blogathon+banner.png" width="190" /></a></div>This was my contribution to the CLASSIC MOVIE HISTORY PROJECT Blogathon- hosted by bloggers extraordinaire, "Movies Silently," "Silver Screenings" and "Once Upon A Screen." I chose the year 1933. To explore more writings upon the years 1915-1950, check out amazing bloggers on the hosts' sites. Enjoy! <br /><br /><u>*References:</u> Read more at: <a href="http://phys.org/news/2012-09-dark-effect-inertial-mass.html#jCp">http://phys.org/news/2012-09-dark-effect-inertial-mass.html#jCp</a><br /><table class="cast_list"><tbody><tr class="odd"><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span id="goog_1019983429"></span><span id="goog_1019983430"></span><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br 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itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="even"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="odd"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="even"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="odd"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="even"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="odd"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="even"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="odd"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="even"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td><td class="ellipsis"><br /></td><td class="character"><br /></td></tr><tr class="odd"><td class="primary_photo"><br /></td><td class="itemprop" itemprop="actor" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-20826947171708261922013-12-22T22:37:00.000-08:002013-12-22T22:37:03.275-08:00SOME LIKE IT HOT- Dueling Divas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U9vVdu3iZQ/UrfOq6iswjI/AAAAAAAABlY/D8fqZyNXxzo/s1600/dueling+divas+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Throughout Hollywood history, there have always been dueling divas. It shouldn't be surprising that such beautiful, talented, hard-working and passionate women might be a <i>tad</i> competitive with one another. Whether on or off screen, many Hollywood women have ambitiously competed to grab their moment in the spotlight. One thinks of examples such as Bette Davis v. Joan Crawford or sisters Olivia de Havilland v. Joan Fontaine. After all, it has always been and continues to be a man's world in tinsel town. But I can think of an exception where a dueling diva duo is challenged by quite the opposite- how to fit in a women's world. I'm speaking of characters Daphne and Josephine in Billy Wilder's SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nngVrOEOCTg/UrfPPYtqyKI/AAAAAAAABlk/kc8RPDDDpu8/s1600/SLIH+black+n+white.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nngVrOEOCTg/UrfPPYtqyKI/AAAAAAAABlk/kc8RPDDDpu8/s1600/SLIH+black+n+white.png" /></a></div>In Billy Wilder's comedy masterpiece SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959), Joe (portrayed by Tony Curtis) and Jerry (portrayed by Jack Lemmon) are two musicians on their last dime and struggling to find that next gig when they accidentally stumble upon witnessing a mob hit from gangster Spats Colombo (portrayed by George Raft) and his henchmen. They are able to escape the mobsters' clutches by taking their next gig, train-bound for warmer climates of Florida and a paycheck. But there's an interesting caveat. This is a 'women only' band so they must dress up and impersonate as women to join the band. And so they do, out of pure desperation. Thus, Joe and Jerry become Josephine and Daphne.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYiCGqNp49U/UrfPitFqwuI/AAAAAAAABls/9BD4efQ-TRA/s1600/SLIH+train+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYiCGqNp49U/UrfPitFqwuI/AAAAAAAABls/9BD4efQ-TRA/s1600/SLIH+train+station.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVNUXM3gT9g/UrfZpVI_ciI/AAAAAAAABmo/gzsx0Y7mtCg/s1600/SLIH+band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVNUXM3gT9g/UrfZpVI_ciI/AAAAAAAABmo/gzsx0Y7mtCg/s320/SLIH+band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy44JhwYQ4Y/UrfQndVhIHI/AAAAAAAABlw/Dc8URfh-plw/s1600/SLIH+close+up+divas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy44JhwYQ4Y/UrfQndVhIHI/AAAAAAAABlw/Dc8URfh-plw/s1600/SLIH+close+up+divas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLojdIQx7Ao/UrfQ8NjH3FI/AAAAAAAABl4/8QbvE5oi6PA/s1600/SLIH+lemmon+and+millionaire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLojdIQx7Ao/UrfQ8NjH3FI/AAAAAAAABl4/8QbvE5oi6PA/s1600/SLIH+lemmon+and+millionaire.jpg" /></a></div>The screwball fun continues the moment these cross-dressers board the train and meet the other lady musicians. Most notably, fellow gal band member Sugar Kane (portrayed by Marilyn Monroe) catches their eyes immediately. (How on earth could anyone NOT?!) Joe spends the rest of his time trying to woo Sugar Kane as Jerry (and by Jerry I mean Daphne) is being wooed by millionaire Osgood Fielding III (portrayed by Joe E. Brown). In an attempt to impress Sugar Kane, Joe pretends to be a millionaire himself- from speaking in his best Cary Grant stereotype accent to borrowing a yacht. Things are becoming... <i>complicated</i>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000493/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Jerry</span></a>: Have I got things to tell you! <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000348/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Joe</span></a>: What happened? <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000493/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Jerry</span></a>: I'm engaged. <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000348/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Joe</span></a>: Congratulations. Who's the lucky girl? <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000493/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character">Jerry</span></a>: I am! <br />&nbsp; <br />The tension builds between Joe and Jerry and chaos amplifies when the gangsters show up at the same hotel for a convention as the two try their best to avoid revealing their true identities. In the end, it all works out for both Daphne and Josephine as it does for Jerry and Joe, not to mention Sugar Kane and Osgood... even if in a somewhat unconventional way.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxtreixFjA/UrfY0AbKJ6I/AAAAAAAABmY/aADRqoHxBq0/s1600/SLIH+cary+grant+stereotype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxtreixFjA/UrfY0AbKJ6I/AAAAAAAABmY/aADRqoHxBq0/s1600/SLIH+cary+grant+stereotype.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOTDABLMVG0/UrfZFyyBu8I/AAAAAAAABmg/2aesRDOAwQ4/s1600/SLIH+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOTDABLMVG0/UrfZFyyBu8I/AAAAAAAABmg/2aesRDOAwQ4/s1600/SLIH+date.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;What makes this film work so well is the performances and chemistry of these great actors and undoubtedly the talented writing and direction from Billy Wilder. While feuding over differences, characters Jerry and Joe (and as Daphne and Josephine) also reveal what great chemistry the actors Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon possess. I can only imagine how fun those two actors must've had on the set. To see if their makeup and costuming is convincing as women, Curtis and Lemmon walked into a women's restroom without startled responses. Jack Lemmon and Joe E Brown learned to tango from co-star George Raft. Tony Curtis needed help in getting his voice high-pitched enough to play Josephine so they enlisted co-star Paul Frees (well-known voice talent) to dub with his voice.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wREKlQcpil4/UrfYO2sd7yI/AAAAAAAABmI/MSPQ7BhoTew/s1600/SLIH+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wREKlQcpil4/UrfYO2sd7yI/AAAAAAAABmI/MSPQ7BhoTew/s1600/SLIH+beach.jpg" /></a></div>Accounts of Marilyn Monroe's experience on the set suggests something more challenging- from 3 hour starting time delays to 50 takes on a scene, with lines written on cue cards hidden within the set. To be fair regarding her moody behavior, she was pregnant at the time and some publicity stills required cropping with stand-ins. But despite Marilyn's personal issues, the results are still amazing on-screen. Mitzi Gaynor was originally considered for the role of Sugar Kane but I can't imagine anyone but Marilyn Monroe playing this sweet, vulnerable and incredibly sexy role.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />Considerations for the roles of Jerry and Joe were given to Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Anthony Perkins, Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lewis. Jerry Lewis declined because he refused to dress up as a woman. This is a decision he later regretted after Jack Lemmon earned an Academy Award nomination for his cross-dressing role. Lemmon reminded him by thanking him repeatedly in the years to follow. <br /><br />Despite its huge success and staying power as a comedy classic, leading men dressing in drag on-screen in 1959 had its share of some controversy. The Roman Catholic Church's Legion of Decency slapped it with a "condemned" rating. And my very own home state of Kansas banned the film entirely stating it was "too disturbing for Kansans." I guess some things never change. Even with a few obstacles, nothing could stop this pair of dueling divas as a hilarious duo that remains forever in my heart as pure comedy gold.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-fDfbPPvkY/UrfYeVzicwI/AAAAAAAABmQ/L7YMV_GDPuQ/s1600/SLIH+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-fDfbPPvkY/UrfYeVzicwI/AAAAAAAABmQ/L7YMV_GDPuQ/s1600/SLIH+end.jpg" /></a></div>*This post is my contribution, via taking creative liberties, to the Dueling Divas Blogathon hosted by Lara at BACKLOTS.&nbsp; There are amazing bloggers who have participated in this feast of a writing topic so be sure to 'do them a solid' of exploring their posts, too! As for me, I'll finish by repeating from Billy Wilder's epitaph... "I'm a writer, but then nobody's perfect."<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U9vVdu3iZQ/UrfOq6iswjI/AAAAAAAABlY/D8fqZyNXxzo/s1600/dueling+divas+banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U9vVdu3iZQ/UrfOq6iswjI/AAAAAAAABlY/D8fqZyNXxzo/s1600/dueling+divas+banner.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-89167786259476325202013-12-21T23:14:00.002-08:002013-12-21T23:21:24.940-08:00Classic Christmas Memories... Rankin/Bass Specials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L56TlpC1XPo/UraGVIu1w6I/AAAAAAAABi0/RXP7YuYvsz4/s1600/bass+rankin+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L56TlpC1XPo/UraGVIu1w6I/AAAAAAAABi0/RXP7YuYvsz4/s1600/bass+rankin+logo.jpg" /></a></div>From 1960 to 2001, Rankin/Bass Productions company made 66 film productions. Animated features and series for television, the Rankin/Bass productions ranged in themes from King Kong to Jackson Five but they are most famous for their Christmas specials. Originally named Videocraft International, the television production company was founded by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass in the early-1960s. Starting with their first series on Pinocchio, this series and many to follow were produced using "Animagic." Made famous by Art Clokey's "GUMBY" and George Pal's "PUPPETOONS," <i>Animagic</i> was a special stop-motion animation process. This technology utilized an articulated metal armature inside the figures was actually pioneered by the famous Ray Harryhausen in Merian C. Cooper/Ernest B. Schoedsack's KING KONG (1933), decades earlier.&nbsp; <br /><br />Several of these stop-motion animations were produced as Christmas specials based on popular songs. Here are my favorites:<br /><br /><b><u>RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964):</u></b><br />Based on the premise of the song itself, we are introduced the story of Rudolph via a lovable snowman, narrated by Burl Ives who is animated in his likeness. Wearing a green plaid vest, a bowler hat and sporting a Mr. French-like beard, this snowman glides across the snow with ease as he sets the stage for the early years of this uniquely-nosed reindeer. And he does so by treating us with festive song, such as "Silver and Gold."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znxTYRRfOHA/UraG-rz3tMI/AAAAAAAABjE/2b7mPFSnn6Y/s1600/bass+rankin+burl+ives.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znxTYRRfOHA/UraG-rz3tMI/AAAAAAAABjE/2b7mPFSnn6Y/s1600/bass+rankin+burl+ives.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJQDmjIeoTU/UraGs4y0fGI/AAAAAAAABi8/gmfX8OgC7uE/s1600/bass+rankin+RTRNR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJQDmjIeoTU/UraGs4y0fGI/AAAAAAAABi8/gmfX8OgC7uE/s320/bass+rankin+RTRNR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was a popular Christmas-time tune ever since Gene Autry's recording in 1947. But Rudolph the character was actually created by a Montgomery Ward employee back in 1939 as part of an advertising campaign. The entire film's soundtrack was recorded in a studio in Toronto, Ontario with the singing and speaking cast being mostly Canadian. The animation was solely filmed in Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><u><br /></u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKKvmB1kOag/UraHRwS6CMI/AAAAAAAABjM/pU1nllAxxG8/s1600/bass+rankin+cornelius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKKvmB1kOag/UraHRwS6CMI/AAAAAAAABjM/pU1nllAxxG8/s1600/bass+rankin+cornelius.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRLtAioNHso/UraHaeny_yI/AAAAAAAABjU/Kf2giUzD6Oc/s1600/bass+rankin+misfit+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRLtAioNHso/UraHaeny_yI/AAAAAAAABjU/Kf2giUzD6Oc/s1600/bass+rankin+misfit+toys.jpg" /></a></div>The cast of sweet and quirky characters make this children's feature special. Rudolph himself is the endearing reindeer who tries to mask his unique feature due to pressures to fit in, but proves he's the admirable one through his bravery. Herbie the elf (the only elf without pointed ears and the only one with hair) stands out as the misfit that possesses no toy-making skills but rather a passion for dentistry and a sunny outlook despite not being accepted by his peers. Yukon Cornelius the lovable prospector and his friendly dog sled team are on the hunt for a peppermint mine, not silver and gold as one would assume. Even an Abominable Snowman, nicknamed "Bumbles" by Cornelius, is included the cast of fun characters. I'm convinced most my childhood photos reflect my appreciation for Bumbles' toothy grin (see comparison below). And of course the entire cast of characters on the Island of Misfit Toys find acceptance and ultimately show us that even misfits have a place in society, especially at Christmastime.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2cZ3ljfo0/UraK7qLY7MI/AAAAAAAABjw/BkwPeVWYJ0k/s1600/Ab+Snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2cZ3ljfo0/UraK7qLY7MI/AAAAAAAABjw/BkwPeVWYJ0k/s320/Ab+Snowman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Interestingly, in the original TV launch in 1964 they reference going to the Island of Misfit Toys but there was no conclusion. So after a barrage of letters from fans worried about the fate of the misfit toys, Rankin/Bass added the ending we see today where all the toys find new homes. During first broadcast, Rudolph was released as part of the 'General Electric Fantasy Hour' on NBC and many commercials aired that featured the elves themselves pitching all the latest GE products for Christmas retail sales. You can see them <a href="http://youtu.be/QovoRux3EbA">here</a>. &nbsp; <br /><br /><b><u>SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN (1970)</u></b><br />When this film originally aired, I was four years old and my baby sister was just born. So I recall this one fondly as my childhood standard to watch every Christmas season with utter delight. This holiday classic enlists a celebrity again to narrate the story. None other than legendary Fred Astaire himself introduces us to Santa Claus aka Kris Kringle by answering all the questions we've always wondered about... where did he come from? .... where did he get that suit? ... where did he get that name? ... why does he give us presents in stockings? ... and so much more. Like Burl Ives as the jolly snowman in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964), Fred Astaire's likeness is wonderfully replicated in<i> Animagic</i> wonder as the singing (and yes, <i>of course</i> dancing) mailman S.D. Kluger who helps unravel all the riddles of the mysterious Santa mythology.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nj9jJ4m1EP0/UraOuQfjUZI/AAAAAAAABkI/MlNTIpyxFGA/s1600/a+SCICTT+Fred.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nj9jJ4m1EP0/UraOuQfjUZI/AAAAAAAABkI/MlNTIpyxFGA/s1600/a+SCICTT+Fred.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BklCgS-cqS8/UraO4p3eFqI/AAAAAAAABkQ/gIQaYju-NPU/s1600/a+SCICTT+kringles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BklCgS-cqS8/UraO4p3eFqI/AAAAAAAABkQ/gIQaYju-NPU/s1600/a+SCICTT+kringles.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3CutdY3NFA/UraO_sXO3dI/AAAAAAAABkY/Ok1spEkrTho/s1600/a+SCICTT+duo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3CutdY3NFA/UraO_sXO3dI/AAAAAAAABkY/Ok1spEkrTho/s1600/a+SCICTT+duo.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrZDAnyYhlQ/UraPF935RtI/AAAAAAAABkg/bSByFDneC3s/s1600/a+SCICTT+santa+list.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrZDAnyYhlQ/UraPF935RtI/AAAAAAAABkg/bSByFDneC3s/s1600/a+SCICTT+santa+list.png" /></a></div>And like in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964), this story takes us on a journey with interesting characters. While Rudolph took a journey with Yukon Cornelius and Herbie, here we follow the adventures of Kris Kringle as he grows up and meets characters like Tanta (voiced by Joan Gardner) and the other bearded and elven Kringles who raise him. Once he becomes a man, we are introduced to Jessica (voiced by Robie Lester and whom my husband has had a 'cartoon crush' on since childhood) aka future Mrs. Claus, Burgermeister Meisterburger (voiced by Paul Frees), and the Winter Warlock (voiced by one of my favorite characters, Keenan Wynn). Santa is voiced by another classic film actor, Mickey Rooney. This film with its songs, characters and stop-motion animation is simple yet charming. It's obvious why it's remained a classic for all ages.<br /><br /><u>Special Mentions:</u><br />THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (1968) is another favorite for many. It tells the story of a poor orphan boy who befriends young animals yet is challenged by hatred in his heart and deals with many struggles like poverty and abandonment. But his journey ends to intersect with the birth of Jesus Christ. His gift is pure love and playing his drum for the newborn son of God. The tone is too religious for me personally. But the voice celebrities are great- Greer Garson narrates and Jose Ferrer voices the character of Ben Haramed. It was always the favorite of my mother's and my husband's, as well. The songs are memorable, especially the title song. My favorite version of "The Little Drummer Boy" song was recorded by Bing Crosby and David Bowie in 1977. You can hear it <a href="http://youtu.be/DiXjbI3kRus">here</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPmeXQ3TCII/UraP-4Q67kI/AAAAAAAABk0/QgU3CA-fUnc/s1600/a+lil+drummer+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPmeXQ3TCII/UraP-4Q67kI/AAAAAAAABk0/QgU3CA-fUnc/s1600/a+lil+drummer+boy.jpg" /></a></div>THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS (1974) is definitely worth adding a special mention. The premise is what happens when Santa is too sick and heart-broken to make his typical Christmas sleigh trip around the world; that is until Mrs. Claus and the North Pole gang convince him otherwise. Mickey Rooney returns as Kris Kringle and Shirley Booth lends her voice talent as her last film appearance. But my favorite segment of this film by far is Mother Nature's sparring sons, Snow Miser (voiced by Dick Shawn- you can read more about another hilarious film performance by him <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2013/12/cmba-film-passion-blogathon-its-mad-mad.html">here</a>) and Heat Miser. These characters are uniquely fun. Frankly I wish these two had an entire film devoted just to their musical numbers. See if you agree, by checking out their bit <a href="http://youtu.be/yon2YuXssvo">here</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzzdCRGVqrM/UraPWD6crrI/AAAAAAAABko/3p4r8nZWZqE/s1600/a+heat+and+snow+miser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzzdCRGVqrM/UraPWD6crrI/AAAAAAAABko/3p4r8nZWZqE/s1600/a+heat+and+snow+miser.png" /></a></div>While there are many other Rankin/Bass features you may prefer to include on your list of favorites, these are my picks from my childhood memories. A consistent theme you see in these holiday specials are the positive messages of hope, kindness and friendship. As Clarence the angel wisely gifted to his new pal George Bailey in my favorite holiday film, Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)... "no man is a failure who has friends." I couldn't agree more, Clarence.<br /><br />*This tribute to my top Rankin/Bass holiday specials is my contribution to the<a href="http://familyfriendlyreviews.wordpress.com/christmas-movie-blogathon/"> Christmas Movie Blogathon</a>, hosted by Family Friendly Reviews. Be sure to check out the other bloggers' contributions to their favorite Christmas-themed classics, too. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!! &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfAxsfR6mVo/UraLVBoBO4I/AAAAAAAABj4/JFgVeEHG-fI/s320/christmasmovieblogathon1_30.jpg" width="252" /></div>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-52205910109066159092013-12-04T21:06:00.002-08:002013-12-04T21:06:41.766-08:00CMBA Film Passion Blogathon: IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD Growing up as a kid, classic comedies were a shaping influence in my life. My earliest memories of classic film derives from the comedies I watched with my family. I recall my grandmother and my uncle Patrick introducing me to comedy classics like Marx Brothers films, the Pink Panther films, Blake Edwards' <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-great-race_21.html">THE GREAT RACE</a> (1965), George Cukor's THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) and countless screwball comedies. And whenever life hits those bumps in the road, I've always sought comfort in a small handful of films guaranteed to cheer me up so I can escape into laughter.&nbsp; One of my favorites on this list of chuckle-inspiring classics is Stanley Kramer's IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8aYQtCR8uc/UoxL2K2HLWI/AAAAAAAABa0/NECW8cMmbCQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8aYQtCR8uc/UoxL2K2HLWI/AAAAAAAABa0/NECW8cMmbCQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+poster.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnAmZeLaDls/Up_83QOX4RI/AAAAAAAABb4/wln5FV0qPPU/s1600/IAMMMM+cinerama+premiere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnAmZeLaDls/Up_83QOX4RI/AAAAAAAABb4/wln5FV0qPPU/s320/IAMMMM+cinerama+premiere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It seems fitting to write about this hilarious classic at this particular time to honor the recent passing of IAMMMMW co-star Jonathan Winters. It's also timely with this past year's (also in April 2013) Turner Classic Movie Film Festival's debut screening of IAMMMMW for its 50th anniversary celebration, at Pacific Theater's famed Cinerama Dome. Fifty years ago the Cinerama Dome, the world's only concrete geodesic domed structure, kicked off their grand opening with this film's premiere as the world's first <i>new</i> 70mm single strip projected on the Cinerama curved screen, to mimic the effect of the three-strip Cinerama processed movie.<br /><br />IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963) is a fast-paced, action-packed race brimming with cameos of laughter legends and a large cast of comedy greats. This cinematic roller-coaster ride of an adventure starts with a speeding car recklessly careening in between cars down the twists and turns of a California highway.&nbsp; [By the way, you may likely experience SPOILERS along this bumpy ride, so buckle up buttercup!] Soon, this car loses control and goes flying off the road, crashing into the rocky desert canyon below. Witnesses of nearby drivers immediately pull over and rush to the wreck below.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIA9nLULBWs/Up_9efUPFmI/AAAAAAAABcA/bSwh87gcWoQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+durante+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIA9nLULBWs/Up_9efUPFmI/AAAAAAAABcA/bSwh87gcWoQ/s320/IAMMMMW+durante+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Legend Jimmy Durante plays the role of Smiler Grogan, the man who has been thrown from the car. The immediate ensemble of drivers that rush to aid crash-victim&nbsp;Grogan are: J Russell Finch (Milton Berle), Melville Crump (Sid Caesar), Ding Bell (Mickey Rooney), Benjy Benjamin (Buddy Hackett) and Lennie Pike (Jonathan Winters). Grogan proceeds to share his deepest secret in his last dying words- there are "350 G's buried under a big W in Santa Rosita park." He says that he earned every penny but it's there for the taking. Norman Fell portrays the police detective who arrives immediately on the scene after Grogan literally 'kicks the bucket.'<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jW3yUY8YuE/Up_-m6d_vWI/AAAAAAAABcM/9jnfGVxD9Cs/s1600/IAMMMMW+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jW3yUY8YuE/Up_-m6d_vWI/AAAAAAAABcM/9jnfGVxD9Cs/s320/IAMMMMW+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kE_ydTpwaY/UqAGk48bBzI/AAAAAAAABeY/6o2CvaRzmtc/s1600/IAMMMMW+winters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kE_ydTpwaY/UqAGk48bBzI/AAAAAAAABeY/6o2CvaRzmtc/s320/IAMMMMW+winters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The group of witnesses reveals nothing to the detective of the confessed crime of buried loot moments prior. Instead, they get back into their cars and head back on the road, but shortly pull over to discuss this incredible discovery. Sid Caesar's Crump is joined by wife Monica (Edie Adams) in their vehicle. Rooney's Bell is riding along with Hackett's Benjamin. Berle's Finch has the hilarious misfortune of being joined by his wife Emeline Marcus-Finch (Dorothy Provine) and his&nbsp;bossy and 'in your face' mother-in-law, Mrs. Marcus (Ethel Merman) in their vehicle. [You might recognize Provine as the entertaining 'native of Burracho' singer Lily Olay in THE GREAT RACE (1965).] And delivery driver Lennie Pike (Jonathan Winters) rides solo in his truck. Even though no one can figure out what or where exactly this 'big W' is, and after several arguments of how best to divvy up the treasure; they soon realize that the best approach is not to share it at all. It's every man and woman for themselves. They dash to their vehicles, speeding away and the madcap race begins.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkfw9YK0e9c/Up_-05owt9I/AAAAAAAABcU/iE1AG4R9BaY/s1600/IAMMMMW+spencer+t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkfw9YK0e9c/Up_-05owt9I/AAAAAAAABcU/iE1AG4R9BaY/s1600/IAMMMMW+spencer+t.jpg" /></a></div>Meanwhile back at the police station in Santa Rosita, Capt. Culpepper (portrayed by Spencer Tracy) is convinced that these drivers, who were spotted roadside by officers conversing together, know more about the missing stolen money than they led on. He instructs patrol officers to keep tabs on the group, but at a safe distance, in hopes they'll lead them to the secretly stashed treasure. He confers with Police Chief Aloysius (William Demarest) that all his troubles will come to an end if he could only close this case after all these years and take his impending retirement with pride and a proper pension. We soon discover that his constantly critical wife Ginger (voiced by Selma Diamond) and needy daughter Billie Sue (voiced by Louise Glenn) are the true sources of all his unhappy troubles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hipSYq0Gvlk/UqAG-cFYTTI/AAAAAAAABeg/tYeSToV2WMM/s1600/IAMMMMW+silvers+and+thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hipSYq0Gvlk/UqAG-cFYTTI/AAAAAAAABeg/tYeSToV2WMM/s320/IAMMMMW+silvers+and+thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFR64LjEGEE/UqAH1YkOOdI/AAAAAAAABes/q44xTB6aukQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+winters+and+silvers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFR64LjEGEE/UqAH1YkOOdI/AAAAAAAABes/q44xTB6aukQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+winters+and+silvers.jpg" /></a></div>In desperation, each of the vehicles attempts the quickest&nbsp;routes to Santa Rosita before any of the other drivers beat them to the chase. The Crumps charter an ancient broken-down biplane. The Finch trio are accidentally rear-ended by Pike's truck so they separate and deceptively leave Pike behind with no transportation other than a kids' bike. The Finches are soon picked up by "Colonel" J. Algernon Hawthorne (Terry-Thomas). Pike shares his fascinating story and a&nbsp;promised portion&nbsp;of the findings to passerby Otto Meyer (Phil Silvers) in exchange for a ride to Santa Rosita. But Meyer immediately tricks Pike and leaves him and his damaged little girly bike behind on the deserted road. Like karma-come-calling, Meyer soon gets a flat tire and drives to&nbsp;a brand-new garage station down the roadway to repair and gas up. By now, Pike is completely fueled by rage as he awkwardly rides up to the garage station and proceeds to attack Meyer. In the chaos of the moment, Meyer convinces the garage attendants (Ray- Arnold Stang, Irwin- Marvin Kaplan) that Pike is actually a homicidal maniac escaped from an asylum and they should subdue him until police arrive. Meyer escapes. Pike then breaks free but then completely annihilates the brand-new garage station in a hilarious fight scene between Winters, Kaplan and Strang. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th9feHX1LI0/UqAAhS72-1I/AAAAAAAABcg/u9ThMrYhlAs/s1600/IAMMMMW+hackett+and+rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th9feHX1LI0/UqAAhS72-1I/AAAAAAAABcg/u9ThMrYhlAs/s320/IAMMMMW+hackett+and+rooney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9dW86qHYhU/UqAAtolzVQI/AAAAAAAABco/sRX3hsYg620/s1600/IAMMMMW+gas+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9dW86qHYhU/UqAAtolzVQI/AAAAAAAABco/sRX3hsYg620/s1600/IAMMMMW+gas+station.jpg" /></a></div>Meanwhile, The Finch foursome abruptly take a change of course when mom-in-law Mrs. Marcus attempts to call on her son and beach bum Sylvester (Dick Shawn) to help them out since he lives so close to their destination. And the duo of Benjamin and Bell (Hackett and Rooney) do their best to waken an excessively hungover pilot Tyler Fitzgerald (perfectly portrayed by Jim Backus) at another local airport to hasten their pace in this race. After copious coffees and showering, they coerce Fitzgerald to fly them to Santa Rosita. Unfortunately, pilot Fitzgerald wasn't quite done with his bender so he asks Benjamin to hold on to the wheel while he pours himself an old-fashioned. As fate would have it, the pilot is knocked out cold when the plane takes a sudden dive with the inexperienced Benjy at the yoke of the cockpit. Now they're forced to engage in a chaotic frenzy to land the plane themselves at Rancho Conejo, with the assistance of the tower traffic control team (Eddie Ryder, Jesse White, Paul Ford and Carl Reiner).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLb2OLYCg7g/UqAA_8uA9XI/AAAAAAAABcw/RgRcHOillQM/s1600/IAMMMMW+Crump+trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLb2OLYCg7g/UqAA_8uA9XI/AAAAAAAABcw/RgRcHOillQM/s320/IAMMMMW+Crump+trio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUURK0nqvLo/UqABPzacK2I/AAAAAAAABc4/9Zr-ISU7ISE/s1600/IAMMMMW+airport+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUURK0nqvLo/UqABPzacK2I/AAAAAAAABc4/9Zr-ISU7ISE/s320/IAMMMMW+airport+tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkSLBJIg6d0/UqABfmFx79I/AAAAAAAABdA/2td2DEx7ezQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+plane+trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkSLBJIg6d0/UqABfmFx79I/AAAAAAAABdA/2td2DEx7ezQ/s1600/IAMMMMW+plane+trio.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irIeeLnx2Dw/UqAB47UO__I/AAAAAAAABdI/qh7K-EQrZdk/s1600/IAMMMMW+shawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irIeeLnx2Dw/UqAB47UO__I/AAAAAAAABdI/qh7K-EQrZdk/s320/IAMMMMW+shawn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While the Crumps&nbsp;barely made their landing, they stop by&nbsp;Dinckler's hardware store to get digging tools. But as luck would&nbsp;have it, Mr. Dinckler (Edward Everett Horton) accidentally locks them in the basement.&nbsp;A series of crazy misfortunes ensue as they attempt to escape from their capture with everything from&nbsp;a forklift&nbsp;to dynamite to fireworks.&nbsp;The Finches splinter off after Russell and Colonel Hawthorne go off on their own in disagreement regarding the merits of pursuing Sylvester. Emeline Finch and mom-in-law rejoin with Pike, despite the abuse he&nbsp;endures from Mrs. Marcus. Sylvester&nbsp;doesn't pay attention to his mother's directions&nbsp;so&nbsp;he hectically drives to meet them- in the opposite&nbsp;direction, instead.&nbsp;&nbsp;After explosions, near-death amateur plane landings, car wrecks and fighting, all&nbsp;the various treasure-seekers&nbsp;along with Capt. Culpepper&nbsp;not far behind&nbsp;finally head towards the park in Santa Rosita.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSVw7dbQCo/UqAF0Gpe9kI/AAAAAAAABeM/HdVc945BXgc/s1600/IAMMMMW+cabbies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSVw7dbQCo/UqAF0Gpe9kI/AAAAAAAABeM/HdVc945BXgc/s320/IAMMMMW+cabbies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>WHEW! Are you staying with me so&nbsp;far?!&nbsp;Each sub-group appears at the Santa Rosita state park- some arrive in taxis driven by cabbies Peter Falk and Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson who catch on that there's something fishy going on. At first, each frantic treasure hunter runs around the park with picks and shovels&nbsp;in hand and no clue to the whereabouts of&nbsp;the 'big W' (although the audience has discovered by now).&nbsp;Emeline Finch wants no part of&nbsp;this from the very beginning as she sees this as an unethical pursuit, so she&nbsp;stays behind&nbsp;by the water fountain&nbsp;to cool herself when she looks up and&nbsp;makes the startling discovery of the big W. Capt. Culpepper is close by when he observes her response.&nbsp;Without&nbsp;revealing his identity,&nbsp;Culpepper approaches and&nbsp;she&nbsp;blurts out&nbsp;her amazing discovery, revealing a change of heart that perhaps she could enjoy the riches after all; to seek a life of solitude as an escape from her family.&nbsp;Meanwhile, everyone else&nbsp;has&nbsp;agreed it's silly&nbsp;not to come together as a group,&nbsp;just as Pike makes the discovery&nbsp;of the 'BIG W'!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy_XJ8-Ftw0/UqACW7eG34I/AAAAAAAABdQ/_9CDgLUoJe4/s1600/IAMMMMW+treasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy_XJ8-Ftw0/UqACW7eG34I/AAAAAAAABdQ/_9CDgLUoJe4/s320/IAMMMMW+treasure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzWAyfs3W8E/UqACrV7E2uI/AAAAAAAABdg/_i7ARYmPnFM/s1600/IAMMMMW+tracy+detective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzWAyfs3W8E/UqACrV7E2uI/AAAAAAAABdg/_i7ARYmPnFM/s320/IAMMMMW+tracy+detective.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqgd2PlIBk/UqAFLPJYtqI/AAAAAAAABeE/gZZIkU0TWtg/s1600/IAMMMMW+cab+ensemble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqgd2PlIBk/UqAFLPJYtqI/AAAAAAAABeE/gZZIkU0TWtg/s320/IAMMMMW+cab+ensemble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Culpepper is on hand to finally introduce himself in timely fashion as the entire group huddles over the buried treasure, after taking turns in digging. Culpepper&nbsp;then tells the lot that perhaps the courts would look upon them more favorably if they turned themselves in, instead of the police bringing them in. He takes the money and gets in his car. But as the&nbsp;group senses something is odd with Culpepper's handling of the situation, they cumulatively pull over in the taxis (not allowed to take&nbsp;any other cars because they were all illegally gained) to discuss. They decide to follow Culpepper who turns out is not heading back to the police station at all. They continue pursuit as Culpepper&nbsp;rapidly heads south towards Mexico to escape with all the money for himself. By now, the other police&nbsp;have caught on to Culpepper's deception. The Chief of Police Aloysius&nbsp;attempts to talk Culpepper out of his newly found criminal ways&nbsp;via the car radio, by stating he's been in conversation with the mayor to discuss his pension. But it's too late for Culpepper to turn back now. He's gone too far into the madness of this mad, mad, mad, mad world. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7makl1EGHI/UqADA8MYfII/AAAAAAAABdo/CWhA0IltB0Q/s1600/IAMMMMW+tracy+laughing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7makl1EGHI/UqADA8MYfII/AAAAAAAABdo/CWhA0IltB0Q/s1600/IAMMMMW+tracy+laughing.png" /></a></div>The chase&nbsp;wraps up in a crazy madcap scene, in the backdrop of a condemned multi-story building ready for demolition. In the final scene,&nbsp;classic comedic justice is served up. We see all the men in a prison hospital ward in rows of beds as they're&nbsp;moaning and complaining&nbsp;from multiple injuries&nbsp;and broken bones&nbsp;in full body casts- each casting blame for their sad predicament. Culpepper admits his&nbsp;guilt with a heavy heart, feeling sorry for himself. The women, in prison gowns, march in to give the men a verbal thrashing. Just as mom-in-law Marcus&nbsp;leads the charge, she slips on a banana peel on the floor and falls in a classic comedy pratt fall- the uproarious laughter results. All the men are laughing so hard they're swinging in their elevated slings and body casts. <br /><br />In addition to this AMAZING cast, this film is peppered with recognizable character actors and cameos from some of the best comedy stars ever assembled in a single movie. Here is a LOOOONG list of&nbsp;the cast:<br /><i>Spencer Tracy - Capt. TG Culpepper</i><br /><i>Milton Berle - J Russell Finch</i><br /><i>Sid Caesar - Melville Crump</i><br /><i>Buddy Hackett - Benjy Benjamin</i><br /><i>Ethel Merman - Mrs. Marcus</i><br /><i>Mickey Rooney - Ding Bell</i><br /><i>Dick Shawn - Sylvester Marcus</i><br /><i>Phil Silvers - Otto Meyer</i><br /><i>Terry-Thomas - J Algernon Hawthorne</i><br /><i>Jonathan Winters - Lennie Pike</i><br /><i>Edie Adams - Monica Crump</i><br /><i>Dorothy Provine - Emeline Marcus-Finch</i><br /><i>Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson - 2nd cab driver</i><br /><i>Jim Backus - Tyler Fitzgerald</i><br /><i>Ben Blue - biplane pilot</i><br /><i>Joe E Brown - union official</i><br /><i>Alan Carney - police sergeant</i><br /><i>Chick Chandler - detective outside Chinese laundromat</i><br /><i>Barrie Chase - Sylvester's girlfriend</i><br /><i>Lloyd Corrigan - the mayor</i><br /><i>William Demarest - Police Chief Aloysius</i><br /><i>Andy Devine - Sheriff of Crocket County</i><br /><i>Selma Diamond - Ginger Culpepper (voice)</i><br /><i>Peter Falk - 3rd cab driver</i><br /><i>Norman Fell - detective at Grogan's crash site</i><br /><i>Paul Ford - Col. Wilberforce</i><br /><i>Stan Freberg - Deputy Sheriff</i><br /><i>Louise Glenn - Billie Sue Culpepper (voice)</i><br /><i>Leo Gorcey - 1st cab driver</i><br /><i>Sterling Holloway - Fire Chief</i><br /><i>Marvin Kaplan - Irwin</i><br /><i>Edward Everett Horton - Mr. Dinckler</i><br /><i>Buster Keaton - Jimmy, the crook </i><br /><i>Don Knotts - nervous motorist</i><br /><i>Charles Lane - airport manager</i><br /><i>Mike Mazurki - miner</i><br /><i>Charles McGraw - Lt. Matthews</i><br /><i>Cliff Norton - reporter</i><br /><i>Zazu Pitts - Gertie, switchboard operator</i><br /><i>Carl Reiner - tower controller at Rancho Conejo</i><br /><i>Madlyn Rhue - sect. Schwartz&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Roy Roberts - policeman outside Irwin &amp; Ray's Garage</i><br /><i>Arnold Stang - Ray</i><br /><i>Nick Stewart - migrant truck driver</i><br /><i>The Three Stooges (Joe DeRita, Larry Fine, Moe Howard) - firemen</i><br /><i>Sammee Tong - Chinese laundryman</i><br /><i>Jesse White - radio tower operator at Rancho Conejo</i><br /><i>Jimmy Durante - Smiler Grogan</i><br /><i>Jack Benny - man in car, in desert</i><br /><i>Wally Brown - policeman</i><br /><i>Stanley Clements - detective in squad room </i><br /><i>Allen Jenkins - cop</i><br /><i>Robert Karnes - Officer Simmy</i><br /><i>Tom Kennedy - traffic cop</i><br /><i>Harry Lauter - police dispatcher</i><br /><i>Bobo Lewis - pilot's wife </i><br /><i>Jerry Lewis - driver (who runs over Culpepper's hat)</i><br /><i>Eddie Ryder - air traffic control tower staffer </i><br /><i>Doodles Weaver - hardware store clerk&nbsp; </i><br /><br />See what I mean? As long as this film's list of hilarious characters' is, the actual running time of this film depends upon which version you've&nbsp;experienced. The original cut was 210 minutes long. Then Stanley Kramer edited the premiere cut to 192 minutes long. But due to it's overwhelming popularity during it's 70mm roadshow to squeeze in an extra daily showtime, United Artists (without any direction from Kramer) cut it down to 161 minutes. But more than likely, you've seen the 35mm general release which has a running time of 154 minutes (minus overture and exit music.) Various attempts have been made over the years to restore missing content from the original 70mm and theatrical release formats to its original version. Most recently, Criterion has announced the release of a special edition 5 disc Blu-ray/DVD with restored audio and visual road-show elements from acclaimed film preservationist Robert A. Harris for January 21st, 2014! (Adding this to my holiday wish list... <a href="http://www.criterion.com/films/28579-it-s-a-mad-mad-mad-mad-world" target="_blank">http://www.criterion.com/<wbr></wbr>films/28579-it-s-a-mad-mad-<wbr></wbr>mad-mad-world</a> )<br /><br />Stanley Kramer's original intent was to assemble as many comedy greats as possible- for a round-up tribute of the who's who in legendary comedy. Stanley Laurel was invited but declined because he kept true to his promise to never appear in film again after the death of his beloved partner, Oliver Hardy's death in 1957. Some declined outright like Bob Hope, George Burns, Red Skelton, and Judy Holliday (Holliday declined due to poor health.) And some felt offended that they were not invited at all, like Don Rickles; who openly ribbed Kramer as a result, whenever he attended one of his shows.&nbsp; <br /><br />Filming such action-packed, physical scenes took a toll on the cast. Phil Silvers was injured twice during the gas station scene by Jonathan Winters. He also claimed near-drowning during the scene of the car in the river (he couldn't swim.) Arnold Stang suffered a broken arm right before shooting the gas station destruction scenes so they made special accommodations with his wardrobe to disguise his sling. Milton Berle claimed he suffered bruising for months after being on the opposite end of Ethel Merman's handbag in a scene. (Interestingly, Milton Berle plays Ethel Merman's son-in-law, yet in real life was only 6 months younger in age.) Spencer Tracy was already in poor health by filming (emphysema and diabetes) so Kramer ensured he only worked a total of nine days, at only a few hours a day, and with no scenes shot in the extreme dry heat of the desert. Stunt doubles were used whenever necessary.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ujr_bq64yU/UqADTS6IEsI/AAAAAAAABdw/0amcB_18T6U/s1600/IAMMMMW+dick+shawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ujr_bq64yU/UqADTS6IEsI/AAAAAAAABdw/0amcB_18T6U/s1600/IAMMMMW+dick+shawn.jpg" /></a></div>Personally, my favorite performances come from Ethel Merman, Dick Shawn and Jim Backus. Such hilarious characters! Ethel Merman's role was originally supposed to be a father-in-law portrayed by none other than Groucho Marx. As much as I would have loved seeing Groucho in this film, Merman's brazen performances and funny lines really drive this story. Shawn's screen presence of over-the-top craziness is solid entertainment. And Jim Backus is perfectly suited as the marathon-drinking pilot. He delivers one of my favorite lines during a flying scene as pilot Fitzgerald- in a way that only Jim Backus can deliver, as he tells Benjy to take over as substitute flyboy and as he mixes himself a drink:<br /><i><b>Benjy Benjamin:</b> "What if something happens?'</i><br /><i><b>Tyler Fitzgerald:</b> "What could happen to an Old Fashioned?!" </i><br /><br />This overly long and mad, mad, mad, mad perspective is my contribution to the CMBA Passion 101 Blogathon. Be sure to enjoy all of the other CMBA bloggers' contributions, because they are likely talented beyond compare. This is also my personal homage to my family members who lovingly introduced me IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963) and all the classic comedians that this film features, which led to my life-long love of classic comedies. They also taught me life's greatest lesson: no matter how maddening life's challenges become, it can be overcome with the gift of laughter.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFcXfEdlMeU/UqADpnOiKEI/AAAAAAAABd4/4U0ROuNquXM/s1600/cmba+FINAL+BANNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFcXfEdlMeU/UqADpnOiKEI/AAAAAAAABd4/4U0ROuNquXM/s320/cmba+FINAL+BANNER.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-24743320365379069892013-11-10T23:32:00.001-08:002013-11-11T10:50:48.557-08:00HATTIE McDANIEL: Pioneer Character<span class="bqQuoteLink"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/hattiemcda315468.html" title="view quote"></a></span><span class="bqQuoteLink">"We all respect sincerity in our friends and acquaintances, but Hollywood is willing to pay for it."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span class="bqQuoteLink">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... Hattie McDaniel&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYPcmibSeeQ/UoCHbVKHjyI/AAAAAAAABaQ/FRrcKcg0v0c/s1600/Hattie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYPcmibSeeQ/UoCHbVKHjyI/AAAAAAAABaQ/FRrcKcg0v0c/s1600/Hattie+1.jpg" /></a></div><span class="bqQuoteLink">Hattie McDaniel was a character actor whose presence on the silver screen is one we shall never forget. In addition to her memorable performances on screen, her impact beyond the celluloid made this actress into a cinematic legend and a true pioneer in the African-American community. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJQkk4ZH-jQ/Un_PT9T1_iI/AAAAAAAABZo/kPWllXPs47M/s1600/hattie+young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJQkk4ZH-jQ/Un_PT9T1_iI/AAAAAAAABZo/kPWllXPs47M/s320/hattie+young.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="bqQuoteLink">Born on </span>June 10, 1895, in Wichita, Kansas, she was one of 13 children and the daughter of former slaves. Her parents introduced her to music and entertainment early on- her father was a Baptist preacher yet also sang and played the banjo in minstrel shows and her mother was a gospel singer. The family moved to Denver in 1901. By high school, Hattie's talents were already starting to shine in school and church; thus began her early career as a singer and a dancer. She often joined her father's minstrel act and toured with other vaudevillian troupes. In 1925, she became one of the first African-American women of radio- and the very first black female voice to sing on the radio.<br /><br />In the early 30's when she moved to L.A., she was able to garner small roles on the radio through her brother, Sam and sister Etta (already working in radio/film)- which turned into bit roles as extras in films. In order to get by, she took on odd jobs in domestic work while pursuing radio and film work. But in 1934, she landed her first big break on-screen role as a maid in John Ford's JUDGE PRIEST.<br /><br />From there, her roles came more frequent with a more assertive personality with each subsequent role... but always as the maid or "mammy" character. She appeared in close to a hundred roles as an actress and&nbsp;usually in&nbsp;that similar character as the maid/mammy who is loyal to her employer yet comfortable enough to express what's on her mind, even in defiance with stern mannerisms. Her outfits would often reflect the racial stereotype as the "mammy."&nbsp;McDaniel's performances stood out, despite as racially stereotypical and stagnant as they may be. It was her quality of her craft that made these roles memorable. These stereotypical characters led to her crowning achievement and most recognizable role, as "Mammy" in Victor Fleming's GONE WITH THE WIND (1939). Her acceptance speech in winning the Academy award for Best Supporting Actress; the very first Oscar ever won by an African-American:<br /><br /><i>"Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fellow members of the motion picture industry and honored guests: This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting me for one of their awards, for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble; and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you."</i><br /><br />The road to earn this coveted award from the Academy, along with the rest of the gains in her life, was not an easy one traveled. Her accomplishments often came at a great price and were surrounded by controversy. As shocking as it may be to comprehend in modern society, none of the black actors were allowed to attend the premiere screening of GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) which took place in segregated Atlanta, GA. In fact, For the premiere night's cotillion ball, Martin Luther King Sr. was invited to attend as a influential minister but was being encouraged to boycott the premiere's events by fellow civil rights leaders. MLK Sr. attended anyway, along with his soon-to-be high-profile son. <br /><br />During World War II, McDaniel supported American war efforts by entertaining the troops and promoting war bonds all while continuing to play these same roles. But soon the frequency of offers slowed down dramatically. Post WWII, the progress of civil rights movement had little tolerance for black actors perpetuating demeaning racial stereotypes. McDaniel, as a major symbol of that role countless times over was openly scorned by the NAACP. She disagreed. She defended herself stating that she found success; and in her own way made changes for future generations of African-Americans in Hollywood. She was also known for offering black actors to stay at her home if they couldn't find lodging while residing in LA to help build their careers. And as she famously said, <i>"I'd rather play a maid than be one...Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one." </i><br /><br />As Hollywood became more interested in a new generation of African American actors like Lena Horne and Sidney Poitier that better reflected a transition into an era of civil rights, movie roles were no longer being offered to Hattie McDaniel. She chose to return to radio instead.<i> "The Belulah Show" </i>was a popular starring role for her. She played a maid but with NAACP approval this time, from 1947 to 1951. The success of this&nbsp;show resulted in a tv version but McDaniel only played this role once on the small screen because she suffered a heart attack. Although she did recover, she soon discovered she had terminal breast cancer. She died on October 26, 1952.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfYSrihDkyg/UoCAr60tjEI/AAAAAAAABaA/g_qownqu3Ks/s1600/hattie+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfYSrihDkyg/UoCAr60tjEI/AAAAAAAABaA/g_qownqu3Ks/s1600/hattie+3.png" /></a></div><i> </i>While another 'first' for McDaniel was to be the first African-American to be buried at Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, it was actually her wish to be buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. A more than reasonable request by such an Oscar-winning pioneer in Hollywood; but she was denied due to racism AGAIN. Nearly 50 years later, a monument was finally placed in her honor at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Carved in granite, the perfect response to her Oscar acceptance speech and loving tribute are forever immortalized... <i>"you are a credit to your craft, to your race and to your family."</i>&nbsp; Posthumously, she was also awarded 2 stars on Hollywood's Walk-Of-Fame: one for radio and one for film.<br /><br />When I think of Hattie McDaniel, my earliest memory of being introduced to her was via the "Tom and Jerry" cartoons with her recurrent "mammy" role illustrated in animated form; often knee-down view only as she would holler "Thomas!" in her loud, scolding way and&nbsp;frequently with broom in hand. Yes, that was Hattie McDaniel too. As I grew older, I was surprised how this same person could play this similar character in SO many different films. As I watch classic films as an adult, the 'black-face' skits are INCREDIBLY uncomfortable and alarming to watch. [How ON EARTH did anyone think this was not insulting?!] But as stereotypically negative as the 'mammy' and other servile roles were for any and all African Americans to portray, it's somehow different when watching Hattie. Despite the demeaning roles and enormous challenges forced upon her, she had such integrity in her skilled performances that always shone through. She was memorable.<br /><br />History proves that changing intolerance takes hard-work, time and persistence. Sadly, it's often not a quick fix. Hattie McDaniel proved that she was a trailblazer for her time. A woman of many 'firsts.' It takes a true character to be such a pioneer! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />-This post was&nbsp;written as part of the FABULOUS and FUN <em>'WHAT A CHARACTER!</em> Blogathon'&nbsp;as hosted by Aurora of <a href="http://www.aurorasginjoint.com/">ONCE UPON A SCREEN</a>, Paula of <a href="http://www.paulascinemaclub.com/">PAULA'S CINEMA CLUB</a> and lil' ole me... Kellee of <a href="http://www.kelleepratt.blogspot.com/">OUTSPOKEN &amp; FRECKLED</a>. Be sure to catch up on all the blogger entries for their talented write-ups!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="What A Character! Blogathon 2013" height="275" id="Image20_img" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZwSd5Q1htE/Un8HaiKQUII/AAAAAAAABZc/pmnWSLmWlRA/s1600/WAC-banner-2013-green.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="250" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="bqQuoteLink">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span class="bqQuoteLink"><br /></span>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-18526761963486140802013-11-09T12:17:00.002-08:002013-11-10T07:16:52.606-08:00Day 1: WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon 2013 is HERE! <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Hello classic film fans!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Today we kick-off the 2nd annual WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon. Created by the classic-film-jonesing, blogging trio of&nbsp; Aurora @citizenscreen of <a href="http://onceuponascreen.wordpress.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>, Paula @Paula_Guthat of <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/">Paula's </a>Cinema Club and myself, Kellee @Irishjayhawk66 of <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/">Outspoken &amp; Freckled</a> and inspired by Turner Classic Movie channel, we celebrate our favorite scene-stealing, quirky character actors. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Time and time again, we find ourselves looking forward to these supporting characters with enthusiastic anticipation of a familiar old friend. Often playing roles like the butler, a maid, the hotel manager or the ever-loyal best friend, we honor you!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Without further ado, here are today's lineup of talented bloggers and their character actor picks for WHAT A CHARACTER!&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">&nbsp;</span></span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gregory (aka @GJMaupin) of I HUMBLY SUGGEST assesses the 'affably pinch-mouthed yet delightfully disapproving personae' of <a href="http://ihumblysuggest.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/edward-everett-horton-part-of-the-2013-what-a-character-blogathon/">EDWARD EVERETT HORTON</a>... <a href="http://ihumblysuggest.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/edward-everett-horton-part-of-the-2013-what-a-character-blogathon/">http://ihumblysuggest.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/edward-everett-horton-part-of-the-2013-what-a-character-blogathon/ </a><br /><br />"Proud, gentle, kindly and altogether charming, she was indeed the ideal symbol of British dignity..." is the apt description of <a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/dame-may-whitty-what-character-blogathon.html">DAME MAY WHITTY</a>, according the lovely Constance of SILVER SCENES BLOG...&nbsp; <br /><div><a href="http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/dame-may-whitty-what-character-blogathon.html" target="_blank">http://silverscenesblog.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/2013/11/dame-may-<wbr></wbr>whitty-what-character-<wbr></wbr>blogathon.html</a></div><br />Paula (aka @Paula_Guthat, #TCMparty co-founder and fellow WAC! Blogathon co-host) of PAULA'S CINEMA CLUB writes upon <a href="http://wp.me/p1CyEM-J5">FRANK McHUGH</a> as the face you know and "expert at sheepish expressions, jittery laughs, and screwball action..." <a href="http://wp.me/p1CyEM-J5" target="_blank">http://wp.me/p1CyEM-J5</a><br /><br />Lovely Jenni of PORTRAITS BY JENNI describes the funny <a href="http://portraitsbyjenni.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-eric-blore/">ERIC BLORE</a> as some who "usually portrayed kind yet fussy butlers who had a way with a smarmy, sarcastic answer that sailed over the heads of the rude people asking him questions..."<br /><a href="http://portraitsbyjenni.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-eric-blore/">http://portraitsbyjenni.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-eric-blore/</a><br /><br />Our pal Ruth of SILVER SCREENINGS (aka @925screenings) tackles ERNEST BORGNINE and explores his performance in MARTY... "his unfeigned performance makes us believe we can overcome any obstacle" in <a href="http://silverscreenings.org/2013/11/08/we-heart-ernest-borgnine/">WE [heart] ERNEST BORGNINE</a>... <a href="http://silverscreenings.org/2013/11/08/we-heart-ernest-borgnine/">http://silverscreenings.org/2013/11/08/we-heart-ernest-borgnine/</a><br /><br />WAC! friend and supporter Annmarie (aka @ClassicMovieHub) of CLASSIC MOVIE HUB BLOG scribes on <a href="http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/?p=6849">ROSCOE KARNS</a> as "always delivering his special brand of sarcastic quip with machine-gun like speed." <a href="http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/?p=6849">http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/?p=6849</a><br /><br />Fun for all ages, the FAMILY FRIENDLY REVIEWS reviews the many performances of charmingly familiar <a href="http://familyfriendlyreviews.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-thelma-ritter/">THELMA RITTER</a>&nbsp; <a href="http://familyfriendlyreviews.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-thelma-ritter/">http://familyfriendlyreviews.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/what-a-character-blogathon-thelma-ritter/ </a><br /><br />Rich of WIDE SCREEN WORLD (aka @ratzo318) offers a personal perspective on <a href="http://widescreenworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-circus-kid-veteran-funnyman-joe-e.html">The Circus Kid: Veteran Funnyman JOE E BROWN</a> ...&nbsp; <a href="http://widescreenworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-circus-kid-veteran-funnyman-joe-e.html">http://widescreenworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-circus-kid-veteran-funnyman-joe-e.html</a><br /><br />Margaret (aka @MargaretPerryKH) of THE GREAT KATHERINE HEPBURN blog gives a breakdown of <a href="http://thegreatkh.blogspot.com/2013/11/sara-haden-what-character.html#sthash.xmrkLMJ2.dpuf%20%20http://thegreatkh.blogspot.com/2013/11/sara-haden-what-character.html">SARA HADEN</a> - a recognizable character actor that as Margaret astutely observes, "sometimes it's those on the sidelines who are best able to describe the exciting goings on around them." See more at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_982341432">http://thegreatkh.blogspot.com/2013/11/sara-haden-what-character.html#sthash.xmrkLMJ2.dpuf</a><br /><a href="http://thegreatkh.blogspot.com/2013/11/sara-haden-what-character.html">http://thegreatkh.blogspot.com/2013/11/sara-haden-what-character.html</a>&nbsp; <br /><br />Jim (aka @DraconicVerses) of DRACONIC VERSES offers up his insights on THE face of Toho Effects films who was 'sometimes a hero, sometimes a villain who flexed his dark side occasionally'... <a href="http://jrphoel.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/kenji-sahara-what-a-character/">KENJI SAHARA</a>- What A Character! <a href="http://jrphoel.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/kenji-sahara-what-a-character/">http://jrphoel.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/kenji-sahara-what-a-character/</a><br /><br />A PERSON IN THE DARK blog asserts that "all movies are made better by Tony Randall's participation." I'm hard-pressed to disagree! Read her take on the unforgettable character, <a href="http://www.flickchick1953.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-character-tony-randall.html">TONY RANDALL</a> ...<a href="http://www.flickchick1953.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-character-tony-randall.html"> http://www.flickchick1953.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-character-tony-randall.html</a><br /><br />On SHADOWS &amp; SATIN, Karen (aka @TheDarkPages) presents her findings on the versatile actor who went from film noir to being blacklisted then bouncing back again... <a href="http://shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/the-what-a-character-blogathon-jeff-corey/">JEFF COREY</a> ...<br /><a href="http://shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/the-what-a-character-blogathon-jeff-corey/">http://shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/the-what-a-character-blogathon-jeff-corey/&nbsp;</a> <br /><br />Maegan (aka @MaesMusings) writes a special guest post on ONCE UPON A SCREEN with "A Character Worth Celebrating" as she provides her thoughts on the character actor who was "wonderfully amusing with little gestures"... <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/2013/11/09/jessie-royce-landis-what-a-character/">JESSIE ROYCE LANDIS</a> <br /><a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/2013/11/09/jessie-royce-landis-what-a-character/">http://aurorasginjoint.com/2013/11/09/jessie-royce-landis-what-a-character/</a><br /><br />Please enjoy reading all of these wonderfully talented and entertaining bloggers' submissions. Whenever possible, we encourage you to leave commentary too. Every writer appreciates the positive feedback! I will continue to add more bloggers' entries as they trickle in. And don't forget to continue reading ALL the amazing blogs over the next 2 days as our WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon progresses at <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/">ONCE UPON A SCREEN</a> and <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/">PAULA'S CINEMA CLUB</a>.</div>Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-26915268952641287232013-11-06T09:11:00.002-08:002013-11-06T09:11:40.832-08:00WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon ScheduleWith as much excitement as Steve Martin in THE JERK (1979) with the arrival of new phone books, I enthusiastically offer you the 2013 WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon schedule!! Back by popular demand, the zany classic-film-loving and blogging trio of Aurora (aka @citizenscreen) of <a href="http://www.onceuponascreen.wordpress.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>, Paula (aka @Paula_Guthat) of <a href="http://www.paulascinemaclub.com/">Paula's Cinema Club</a> and Kellee (aka @IrishJayhawk66) of Outspoken &amp; Freckled (moi!) bring you the 2013 installment of WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="WAC-banner-2013-green" class="aligncenter wp-image-18262" height="384" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/wac-banner-2013-green.jpg?w=350&amp;h=384" width="350" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Inspired&nbsp;by the phrase&nbsp;from our beloved home of the classics,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tcm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3c8594;">Turner Classic Movies</span></a>&nbsp;(TCM). WHAT A CHARACTER! the Blogathon proved&nbsp;to be a tremendous hit from bloggers&nbsp;and readers alike&nbsp;from across the blogosphere and a myriad of social media channels in 2012.&nbsp;We're thrilled and confident to repeat those positive results this year!&nbsp;After all, who doesn't ADORE those quirky character actors?!&nbsp;On behalf of&nbsp;Aurora, Paula and me&nbsp;here’s the planned schedule for the&nbsp;<strong>WHAT A CHARACTER!</strong>&nbsp;blogathon 2013:</div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #587988;"><strong>Saturday, November 9 – hosted by <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3c8594;">Kellee</span></a>:</strong></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Bruce Dern – Kerry on&nbsp;<strong>Paula’s Cinema Club</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Edward Arnold<strong>&nbsp;- The Girl with the White Parasol</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eric Blore -&nbsp;<strong>Portraits by Jenni</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ernest Borgnine in&nbsp;<strong>Marty</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<strong>Silver Screenings</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Frank McHugh -&nbsp;<strong>Paula’s Cinema Club</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesse Royce Landis – Maegan on&nbsp;<strong>Once Upon a Screen</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jessie Ralph -&nbsp;<strong>The 5 AM Show</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Joe E. Brown -&nbsp;<strong>Wide Screen World</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Kenji Sahara -&nbsp;</span><strong style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The Draconic Verses</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dame May Whitty -&nbsp;<strong>Silver Scenes</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nat Pendleton -&nbsp;<strong>Comet Over Hollywood</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Roscoe Karns -&nbsp;<strong>Classic Movie Hub</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara Haden -&nbsp;<strong>The Great Katharine Hepburn</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thelma Ritter -&nbsp;<strong>Family Friendly Reviews</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tony Randall – <strong>A Person in the Dark</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: right;"><strong><span style="color: #587988; font-family: arvo-1, arvo-2, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 19px;">Sunday, November 10 – hosted by <a href="http://aurorasginjoint.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3c8594;">Aurora</span></a>:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Dick Miller -&nbsp;<strong>Cinematic Catharsis</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Elisha Cook, Jr. -&nbsp;<strong>Sales on Film</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Gail Patrick -&nbsp;<strong>Picture Spoilers</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Hank Worden – <strong>Critica Retro</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Hugh Herbert -&nbsp;<strong>Immortal Ephemera</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Jane Darwell – Pam on&nbsp;<strong>Once Upon a Screen</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Sterling Holloway -&nbsp;<strong>Sittin’ On a Backyard Fence</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Irving Bacon -&nbsp;<strong>Speakeasy</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Joe Sawyer -&nbsp;<strong>The Bogie Film Blog</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Lionel Jeffries -&nbsp;<strong>Silver Scenes</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Martin Balsam -&nbsp;<strong>You Gotta Get a Critic</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Pert Kelton -&nbsp;<strong>The Skeins</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Peter Lorre -&nbsp;<strong>TV’s Fault</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Sheldon Leonard -&nbsp;<strong>A Shroud of Thoughts</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Stanley Tucci -&nbsp;<strong>Paula’s Cinema Club</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Tully Marshall -&nbsp;<strong>Movies, Silently</strong></div><div style="text-align: right;">Walter Connolly -&nbsp;<strong>Carole &amp; Co.</strong></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #587988;">Monday, November 11 – hosted by <a href="http://paulascinemaclub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3c8594;">Paula</span></a>:</span></strong></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Agnes Moorehead -&nbsp;<strong>Movie Star Makeover</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Edna May Oliver -&nbsp;<strong>The “semi” Daily Maine</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eugene Pallette -&nbsp;<strong>Paula’s Cinema Club</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Florence Bates -&nbsp;<strong>Christy’s Inkwells</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harry Davenport -&nbsp;<strong>Once Upon a Screen</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hattie McDaniel -&nbsp;<strong>Outspoken &amp; Freckled</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeanette Nolan -&nbsp;<strong>The Last Drive-In</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">John Hoyt -&nbsp;<strong>The Skeins</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joyce Grenfell -&nbsp;<strong>Caftan Woman</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mary MacLaren -&nbsp;<strong>I Love Terrible Movies</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regis Toomey -&nbsp;<strong>She Blogged by Night</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sam Levene -&nbsp;<strong>Tales of the Easily Distracted</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thomas Mitchell -&nbsp;<strong>Joel’s Classic Film Passion</strong></div>Timothy Carey -&nbsp;<strong>Furious Cinema</strong><br />Una Merkel -&nbsp;<strong>Hepburnia</strong><br /><br />We will&nbsp;edit the above schedule as any updates come through. There's only a wee bit of time left&nbsp;to sign up if you'd like to join the fun. Just contact any of us to do so. Otherwise, rest those eyeballs now because there's TONS of reading this weekend to enjoy!<br /><br />~Kellee<br />@IrishJayhawk66<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt="wac gold" class="aligncenter wp-image-18271" height="439" src="http://onceuponascreen.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/wac-gold.jpg?w=400&amp;h=439" width="400" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-55790678461675576362013-10-10T21:56:00.000-07:002013-10-10T21:56:05.774-07:00Arsenic and Old LaceMy definition of a perfectly spooky good time involves an October evening with a crisp Autumn atmosphere with the leaves rustling in yard as I cuddle up to my favorite classic films. My favorite October classic is Frank Capra's ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944). This film is a dark-as-ebony comedy replete with a perfectly cast of hilariously eccentric characters.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1-sozvPQ3o/UlGcl4XhQ-I/AAAAAAAABW4/cHRsc7mF67c/s1600/Arsenic+and+old+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1-sozvPQ3o/UlGcl4XhQ-I/AAAAAAAABW4/cHRsc7mF67c/s1600/Arsenic+and+old+lace.jpg" /></a></div>Our story begins with Mortimer Brewster (portrayed by hunky Cary Grant), the drama critic and infamous bachelor who is doing his best to indiscreetly 'get hitched' to Elaine Harper (portrayed by cutie Priscilla Lane.) After successfully alluding the press (who would find the die-hard bachelor getting married to be quite the juicy scoop), the newlyweds head back to Elaine's home to pack for Niagra Falls. Only adorable Elaine Harper is charming and sweet enough to capture the love of loyalty of Mortimer Brewster, formerly known for his pessimistic views on love and is now a puddle of goo whenever in her embrace. Elaine is the daughter of Reverend Harper (played by Grant Mitchell) and they live in a very old and quaint neighborhood in Brooklyn, right next door and just across the cemetery from Mortimer's aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster (portrayed by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair). It's Halloween eve. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5y29VWGB7Y/UlGg95xM3TI/AAAAAAAABXE/wEItGsqH0b8/s1600/Arsenic+and+old+lace+graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5y29VWGB7Y/UlGg95xM3TI/AAAAAAAABXE/wEItGsqH0b8/s400/Arsenic+and+old+lace+graveyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While Elaine merrily goes to the Harper home to pack her belongings for the honeymoon, the cabbie waits outside and Mortimer visits with his aunts next door. Abby and Martha are introduced as the sweetest old-fashioned ladies who are well-known for their unlimited generosity and kindness. We are also introduced to another Brewster home resident, 'Teddy Roosevelt' Brewster. Teddy truly believes he is the U.S. 26th President. He often addresses people in the room as members of his cabinet and yells "CHARGE!!" as he rushes upstairs (aka San Juan hill). The local policemen find the aunts to be utterly sweet and innocent as candy. The local officer on the beat, Brophy (portrayed by Edward McNamara) introduces the new policeman O'Hara (portrayed wonderfully by Jack Carson with great facial exaggerations) and explains to O'Hara that Teddy is harmless but presents a bit of an issue in the neighborhood when he trumpets his bugle in the middle of the night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wewkFT-P5so/Uld_EmzyhmI/AAAAAAAABXY/3EaQ22_mJ38/s1600/AandOL+Elaine+and+aunts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wewkFT-P5so/Uld_EmzyhmI/AAAAAAAABXY/3EaQ22_mJ38/s320/AandOL+Elaine+and+aunts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Soon, Mortimer is alone in the Brewster main room when he makes a grisly discovery. He finds a dead body in the hope chest under the window seat. He tries to gently break the news of his bizarre finding to his aunts (thinking perhaps crazy Teddy was to blame) but is gravely shocked when they explain the dead body is their doing. They reveal that there are even more bodies buried in the basement; a dozen more bodies of lonely men that have each come to them to sublet rooms. Teddy has been helping by burying them in what he believes are victims of yellow fever in the Panama Canal. They naively describe their 'good' intentions as aiding these men that are all alone in the world by serving each such lonely tenant a very special homemade mix of elderberry wine.<br /><b>Aunt Martha:</b><i> "For a gallon of elderberry wine, I take one teaspoon full of arsenic, then add half a teaspoon full of strychnine, and then just a pinch of cyanide."</i><br /><b>Mortimer Brewster:</b> <i>"Hmm. Should have quite a kick." </i>&nbsp; <br />Meanwhile, Elaine keeps trying to get Mortimer's attention to alert him that she's ready to go off to their honeymoon with their agreed upon signal of her whistling the wedding <i>"here comes the bride..."</i> tune. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvvZZBMsGTg/UleDCNNr_xI/AAAAAAAABXk/xpjB9N06YKI/s1600/AandOL+Mortimers+discovery_aunts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvvZZBMsGTg/UleDCNNr_xI/AAAAAAAABXk/xpjB9N06YKI/s320/AandOL+Mortimers+discovery_aunts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwxLN7JU2Y/UleDOAnCb5I/AAAAAAAABXs/cbAsZtZWr6g/s1600/AandOL+aunts+wine+w+Witherspoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwxLN7JU2Y/UleDOAnCb5I/AAAAAAAABXs/cbAsZtZWr6g/s320/AandOL+aunts+wine+w+Witherspoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The crazy pace picks up speed when Mortimer realizes his only way to resolve this big problem is to use Teddy as a scapegoat and get him committed to "Happy Dale Sanatorium." But it's the unexpected arrival of Mortimer's long-lost and completely sociopathic brother, Jonathan Brewster (portrayed by Raymond Massey) and his criminal sidekick, Dr. Einstein (portrayed by Peter Lorre) that throws everything into a tailspin. Jonathon enters the scene looking like a hideously scarred cross between Frankenstein's monster and Boris Karloff, thanks to Dr. Einstein's shoddy and drunken plastic surgery attempts. Jonathan makes it clear from the very beginning that anyone who makes reference to him looking like Boris Karloff are sure to suffer a deadly fate by his hands.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFSkd_agSg/UleDk8pgm6I/AAAAAAAABX0/D1ren5RqZpY/s1600/AandOL+Mortimer+meets+Jonathon+and+Einstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFSkd_agSg/UleDk8pgm6I/AAAAAAAABX0/D1ren5RqZpY/s320/AandOL+Mortimer+meets+Jonathon+and+Einstein.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Interesting side note: ARSENIC and OLD LACE (1943) was a popular Broadway play first. It ran from January 1941-June 1944. This film was produced and completed filming in the Fall of 1941 but not released nationwide until September 1944 so the stage production could run without competing with the film, per their Warner Bros. contract. But when it came to casting the film production, several of the stage actors were cast in the same roles. The key actor who was not allowed out of his Broadway contract for the film production because he was too vital to the play's success was Boris Karloff, who played Jonathon. So every reference to Boris Karloff in the film packed an insider's punch.<br /><br />Jonathan and Dr. Einstein force their stay on the aunts at the Brewster house. They need a place to lay low to reconstruct Jonathon's face yet again (they're on the lam from the law) and they have a dead body of their own they need to dispose. Meanwhile, Elaine continues to attempt grabbing Mortimer's attention but runs into Jonathon and Dr. Einstein first, who almost make her another victim of the basement graveyard. Mortimer is going batty trying to juggle the manic insanity of it all while trying his best to get proper paperwork to commit Teddy to Happy Dale and also to get rid of Jonathon and Dr. Einstein while not revealing his aunts' crimes. The pace is fast, the lines are rapid-fire as characters come and go with every moment being close call encounters.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE_koebgfhQ/UleD4L3YKYI/AAAAAAAABX8/1ta7jgJWKqI/s1600/AandOL+Mortimer+all+tied+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE_koebgfhQ/UleD4L3YKYI/AAAAAAAABX8/1ta7jgJWKqI/s320/AandOL+Mortimer+all+tied+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The best scene of close calls comes when Mortimer explains just how dopey a fella can be in a play when he explains how a character who was so naive to not see a murderer sneaking up on him, then he precedes to get tied up by Jonathon and Dr. Einstein's for their sinister agenda. In the nick of time, officer O'Hara interrupts the kidnapping to tell Mortimer about the play he's writing. But despite Mortimer being bound and gagged to a chair, clueless O'Hara presses on in sharing his play ideas, blissful to have a captivated audience. A hilarious fight ensues as more police join in and Jonathan is captured because his 'Boris Karloff-like' face finally became his undoing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ZZrIyAsCQ/UleEIPeD2UI/AAAAAAAABYE/bJ9_rxFqJ90/s1600/AandOL+Jonathon+gets+captured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ZZrIyAsCQ/UleEIPeD2UI/AAAAAAAABYE/bJ9_rxFqJ90/s320/AandOL+Jonathon+gets+captured.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;In the end, the aunts join Teddy at Happy Dale and Mortimer discovers the family secret that reveals that he's not so crazy as he originally feared. <b>Mortimer (to Elaine):</b><i> "Insanity runs in my family... practically gallops."&nbsp; </i>But insanity certainly gallops throughout ARSENIC and OLD LACE (1944). The entire film is constant mad-cap and hilariously morbid comedy.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL1axlCQ0nI/UleEY7HpphI/AAAAAAAABYM/PxzHL46xiMg/s1600/AandOL+the+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL1axlCQ0nI/UleEY7HpphI/AAAAAAAABYM/PxzHL46xiMg/s320/AandOL+the+end.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>Cary Grant didn't enjoy his performance, stating he thought it required too much 'over-acting.' Frankly, I disagree. No one does screwball comedy with so much physicality and comedic timing genius as Cary Grant. I think his early acrobatic training prior to his film career helped in this regard. And perhaps after filming his heart was taking on a more serious note than the 'over-acting' required from such a screwball romp. Towards the end of filming of ARSENIC and OLD LACE, Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941... FDR: "a day which will live in infamy." As a result, director Frank Capra enlisted in the U.S. Army and was given another month extension to finish editing before reporting for active duty. Cary Grant was also a passionate supporter of American war efforts during this time and he generously donated his entire salary, $100,000, to the U.S. War Relief Fund.<br /><br />So, while Cary Grant referred to this film as one of his least favorites, something tells me his heart was simply not into it for much heavier reasons. But knowing this makes me love this film and Grant's performance all the more. What a consummate professionals he and Capra truly were to produce such an enduring comedy classic despite their heavy hearts. For me, this will always remain a Halloween-time favorite classic film. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <i>&nbsp; &nbsp; </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQqkmF6s0Nc/UleEjMuLNXI/AAAAAAAABYU/F8tVEhRgQx4/s1600/AandOL+the+end+credit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQqkmF6s0Nc/UleEjMuLNXI/AAAAAAAABYU/F8tVEhRgQx4/s1600/AandOL+the+end+credit.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-5700089510138310542013-09-30T11:44:00.002-07:002013-09-30T12:04:30.183-07:00Buster Keaton Celebration 2013<span style="font-family: Times,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: small;">For the 2nd year in a row, I had the great pleasure of attending the Buster Keaton Celebration in Iola, Kansas at Bowlus Fine Arts Center. The "stone-faced" icon of the silent screen Buster was born in nearby Piqua, Kansas in 1895, where he started performing along with his vaudevillian parents from age 3. The Buster Keaton Celebration has been celebrated in Iola since 1993. For 21 years, this annual event honors this genius of original comedy through a two-day (Friday and Saturday) course of education and film screenings. It's always an enlightening and entertaining good time the last weekend in September.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9lczyL0vRo/UknFtx7zUcI/AAAAAAAABWg/ZWJRY8BdRKI/s1600/Buster+poster+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9lczyL0vRo/UknFtx7zUcI/AAAAAAAABWg/ZWJRY8BdRKI/s1600/Buster+poster+2013.png" /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a></div>Every year, this pilgrimage to Keaton country takes on a different theme. This time it was "Keaton,&nbsp; Chaplin and the Fabulous Fifties." My husband and I were unable to make the first day's itinerary due to a scheduling conflict. (My husband surprised me with tickets as an anniversary gift for us to attend an all-day outdoor music concert, "Buzz Beach Ball" in Kansas City. After a full day of waiting in lines for hours and practically being trampled by substance-infused youngsters at said concert, we were thrilled to drive the ninety minutes to Iola the next morning to hang with like-minded folk who enjoy true entertainment.) When we arrived the 2nd day, we were able to meet up with friends from the twitterverse who also enjoy silent film with our same child-like enthusiasm (or even more so) in time to see a majority of the day's line-up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iehkr_qTBHM/Ukm2j-sCI9I/AAAAAAAABVk/R_XgsztdbVg/s1600/Buster+K+posse+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iehkr_qTBHM/Ukm2j-sCI9I/AAAAAAAABVk/R_XgsztdbVg/s1600/Buster+K+posse+2013.jpg" /></a></div><i>&nbsp;</i>[<i>Silent Film Loving posse Brian &amp; Nikki (@nikkilynn4) from Nebraska, Trevor aka our 'twitter son'(@tpjost), myself (@IrishJayhawk66) and my hubby Gary</i>]<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRdhj5xbaqQ/Ukm39bQpmqI/AAAAAAAABVw/P9OpWUj5RO8/s1600/Buster+K+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRdhj5xbaqQ/Ukm39bQpmqI/AAAAAAAABVw/P9OpWUj5RO8/s1600/Buster+K+crew.jpg" /></a></div>There are so many wondrous things about this special cinematic journey. First of all, it's absolutely free to any and all who wish to attend. This event somehow gets by on the funding from the Kansas Humanities Council and private donations, not to mention the passionate and tireless volunteers who donate their time and resources. That being said, I would highly encourage anyone to donate to this richly-deserving cause. Plus, no need to register in advance or tickets to reserve - just show up, sign in on their 'guest book', set back and enjoy.&nbsp; <br /><br />Secondly, the presenters and topics are always fascinating. This is so more than just film screenings, it's also education. You don't have to be a film historian to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the lectures and presentations offered. The topics covered often take on a fresh angle to each year's theme. And I always walk away having discovered something new. Presenters come from all over- from across the U.S. and across the world. Generally, the presenters are made up of film historians, film preservationists, biographers and educators who are published experts, documentary filmmakers, famous silent film score musicians, noted actors/celebrities and even members of the Keaton and Talmadge families! Each year's line-up changes based upon that year's theme, but the presenters never disappoint to deliver insightful presentations. &nbsp; <br /><br />This year was no exception as topics included the hot subject of McCarthyism and it's influence on Chaplin, Keaton and Hollywood during that era. Celebrities were on board again this year- including well-known actors James Karen (close friend of Buster Keaton) and Paul Dooley, most recognizable as the Dad in John Hughes' "16 CANDLES" (1984). Because the Buster Keaton Celebration has a decidedly 'Kansas-small-town-friendly' tone, it feels more like a welcoming casual reunion. As I discovered, it reflects a more intimate atmosphere as I introduced myself and chatted to presenters, during breaks. <br /><br />I've never been a shy gal so walking up to a total stranger and starting a casual or even in-depth conversation has never been an issue. So I was surprised to discover that even I (aka 'doesn't know a stranger Kellee') can be star-struck, in my own way. Last year, actor James Karen was incredibly kind enough to share a bit of conversation and pose for a photo with me. This year, he remarkably remembered me and graciously obliged a photo again. As did the actor Paul Dooley. By the way, Paul Dooley was incredibly generous in his conversation with my husband and me. He told us magnificent stories of how director/writer John Hughes wrote in a bigger role for him as the dad in Hughes' "SIXTEEN CANDLES" (1984) to convince him to take the part and how it was Paul himself who suggested a more fitting line to end that famously touching dad-and-daughter scene when his character apologizes for forgetting his daughter's birthday John Hughes kept that change in. And you know how Chevy Chase played Clark "Sparky" Griswold in Jeremiah S. Chechik's National Lampoon "CHRISTMAS VACATION" (1989)? Well, Paul shared with us that that role was written by Hughes with none other than Paul Dooley in mind. How cool is that?! We even discovered that Paul was the head writer for the first season (1971-1972) of PBS's Emmy Award winning and star-studded children's TV show from my childhood "The Electric Company"! Who knew??&nbsp; So, how did I reveal my star-struck weakness? As a gal who is known for her BIG outgoing smile, I've noticed that I reveal a completely different type of smile which is alien to me- only while posing with celebrities while I nervously embrace, and face the camera awe-struck. I better fix my awkward celeb smile quickly before this Kansas gal visits Hollywood someday soon... but I digress.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1aATfGSCOo/Ukm4YcgTt7I/AAAAAAAABV4/xBxR0Bx1Ezg/s1600/Buster+k+day+with+Jim+K+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1aATfGSCOo/Ukm4YcgTt7I/AAAAAAAABV4/xBxR0Bx1Ezg/s1600/Buster+k+day+with+Jim+K+2013.jpg" /></a> </div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Jim Karen and me]<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqRXFSBQsqc/Ukm40wO8u0I/AAAAAAAABWA/7xMGcEq6sjE/s1600/Buster+K+day+with+Paul+Dooley+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqRXFSBQsqc/Ukm40wO8u0I/AAAAAAAABWA/7xMGcEq6sjE/s1600/Buster+K+day+with+Paul+Dooley+2013.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Paul Dooley and me (with my star-struck awkward smile)]<br /><br />Besides socializing with friends and viewing hilarious classics like Keaton's "SEVEN CHANCES"(1925) on the big screen, I think one of the most enjoyable aspects of this year's Buster Keaton trip, must be the segment of Saturday's schedule devoted to Melissa Talmadge Cox, granddaughter of Buster Keaton and Natalie Talmadge, and Barbara Talmadge, daughter-in-law of Buster Keaton. When we came last year, members of the Talmadge/Keaton family were there and it was so interesting and popular, they had to stop taking questions and move on to keep on schedule. This year, Melissa and Barbara kindly offered to come back and continue. Frankly, the stories both Melissa and Barbara tell are funny, genuine and utterly delectable. I was hanging on to every word. The stories they told about growing up with such a famous grandpa/father-in-law plus all the movie stars they encountered were fascinating peaks into a Hollywood dream. Melissa was the only granddaughter amongst the grand kids and you could imagine how their bond was special. The personal photos of both sides of the family (Buster Keaton's and the Talmadge sisters') up on the big screen were as equally delightful as the funny and heart-warming stories they told. I can't help but feel some bias in thinking that some of that Kansas friendliness has stayed with Keaton/Talmadge family because they were down-to-earth and sincerely charming.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_l9w-UiSh8/UknEn1ndvPI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yjoNKDtZpjI/s1600/Buster+seven+chances+poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_l9w-UiSh8/UknEn1ndvPI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yjoNKDtZpjI/s1600/Buster+seven+chances+poster.png" /></a></div>This year's full schedule:<br /><u>FRIDAY, 9/ 27:</u><br />10 am- Buster Keaton Museum Tour- Piqua, KS<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caravan departs from The Bowlus Fine Arts Center<br />1pm- Afternoon registration begins in the lobby of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center<br />1:20pm- Welcome and Introduction<br />1:30pm- <b>THE KEATON AND CHAPLIN COLLABORATION-- "SEEING STARS" (1922)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i> Hooman Mehran</i>, Film Historian and co-editor of the Chaplin Review<br />2:10pm- Q &amp; A<br />2:20pm- <b>HOLLYWOOD AND McCARTHYISM</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <i>James Karen</i>, Actor and long-time friend of the Keaton Family.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interview with <i>Frank Scheide</i><br />3pm- Q &amp; A <br />3:10pm-&nbsp; Break<br />3:20pm- <b>SCREENING OF SELECTED SHORT SUBJECTS</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keaton and Chaplin Shorts including commercials and cartoons<br />5pm- Dinner Break<br />7:30-10:30pm-&nbsp; <b>FRIDAY EVENING SCREENINGS:</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b> "OUT WEST" (1918)</b>, short film starring Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Live music by Jeff Rapsis</i><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <b>"A KING IN NEW YORK" (1957)</b>, feature starring Charlie Chaplin<br /><br /><u>SATURDAY, 9/ 28:</u><br />8:30am- Registration opens<br />9am- Welcome and Introductions<br />9:10am- <b>FRIENDSHIP, FILM COLLABORATION AND COPING WITH McCARTHYISM</b><br /><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; IN THE 1950's: JEROME "JERRY" EPSTEIN'S AUDIO MEMOIR ON CHARLIE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHAPLIN</b>, <i>Frank Scheide</i>, Ph.D, University of Arkansas<br />9:50- Q &amp; A<br />10am- <b>TWO EXILES FACE THE COLD WAR:</b><br /><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CHARLIE CHAPLIN, KING SHAHDOV, AND <i>A KING IN NEW YORK</i> (1957) </b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Charles Maland, Ph.D.</i>, <i>J. Douglas Bruce</i> Chair of English and Cinema Studies at University of Tennessee<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> 10:40am- Q &amp; A<br />10:50am- Break<br />11am- <b>THE AMERICAN COUNTERCULTURE AND CHAPLIN'S LITTLE TRAMP,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1953-1977</b><br /><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<i> </i></b><i>Lisa Stein Haven, Ph.D.</i>, Ohio University Zanesville<br />11:40am- Q &amp; A<br />11:50am- Lunch Break<br />1:15pm- Welcome and Introductions<br />1:20pm- <b>LIMELIGHT: THE CHAPLIN ARCHIVES</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Kate Guyonvarch</i>, Chaplin Office Director, Roy<i> </i>Export<i> </i>S.A.S<i>., </i>Bubbles Inc. S. A. <br />2pm- Q &amp; A<br />2:10- <b>THE TALMADGE AND KEATON FAMILIES </b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Melissa Talmadge Cox</i>, Granddaughter of Buster Keaton<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Barbara Talmadge</i>, Daughter-in-Law of Buster Keaton *Interviewed by <i>David MacLeod</i><br />2:50pm- Q &amp; A<br />3pm- Break<br />3:10pm- <b>SATURDAY AFTERNOON SCREENING:</b> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>"HER SISTER FROM PARIS"</b> <b>(1926)</b>, feature film starring Constance Talmadge and Ronald Coleman, with<i> live music by Jeff Rapsis</i>&nbsp; <br />5pm- Dinner Break<br />7:30- 10pm- <b>SATURDAY EVENING SCREENINGS</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>&nbsp; "ONE A.M." (1916)</b>, Charlie Chaplin short<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "<b>SEVEN CHANCES" (1925)</b>, feature film starring Buster Keaton,<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; with <i>live music by Jeff Rapsis</i><br /><i>&nbsp;</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><big><span style="color: #330033;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></big></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><big><span style="color: #330033;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven't made the trek to Iola, Kansas for the Buster Keaton Celebration yet, you have plenty of time to get your travel arrangements squared away for the next one. The Bowling Arts Center is already booked for their own special 50th anniversary next year so the Buster Keaton Celebration will return in September 2015. Hope some of you will join us~ I know I'll be there!</span></span></big></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqi1R9l7nJI/UknE6k-jkPI/AAAAAAAABWY/Qel0AyGzPug/s1600/buster+seven+chances.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqi1R9l7nJI/UknE6k-jkPI/AAAAAAAABWY/Qel0AyGzPug/s320/buster+seven+chances.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-21023970815826994222013-09-19T21:16:00.001-07:002013-09-19T21:37:01.946-07:00SNEAK PEAK~ Kellee's October Film Fun!October translates into many seasonal offerings for me: a start to cooler weather, cozy sweaters and jeans instead of shorts and tank tops, my favorite scent of pumpkin spice candles burning throughout the house, crunchy tastes of apples and tart cranberries, an urge to bake more frequently, the falling of beautiful leaves in shades of orange, yellow, brown and green, and all the decorating and fun of Halloween. But enjoying the Halloween holiday is not complete without some classically creepy films. Last year, I chose the month of October to kick off the crisp Autumnal season with a month-long series of some of my favorite spooky and fun classic films.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxFZz-EC-ck/UjvJN2pdeOI/AAAAAAAABVE/fPMmkAzL-oI/s1600/halloween+vintage+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxFZz-EC-ck/UjvJN2pdeOI/AAAAAAAABVE/fPMmkAzL-oI/s320/halloween+vintage+ad.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>Last year, I reviewed the following films with eery delight: Mel Brooks' <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/10/young-frankenstein_11.html">YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN</a>&nbsp; (1974), Alan Rafkin's <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-ghost-and-mr-chicken_20.html">THE GHOST and MR. CHICKEN</a> (1966), F. W. Murnau's <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-original-vampire-nosferatu.html">NOSFERATU</a> (1922)-seen on the big screen with live musical accompaniment, Jacques Tourneu's <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/10/val-lewton-horror-original-and-modern.html">CAT PEOPLE</a> (1942) for the Val Lewton Blogathon, and I ended on a very Halloweeny fun note by reviewing my favorite campy late night horror hostess with most-ess <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2012/10/kcs-horror-hostess-crematia-mortem.html">CREMATIA MORTEM</a>. This year, I'd like to continue this tradition of reviewing a month-long film series with more of my spooky cinema faves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwrRt0LXWlA/UjvBOv5X44I/AAAAAAAABU0/LlrHYS71GHE/s1600/arsenicandoldlace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwrRt0LXWlA/UjvBOv5X44I/AAAAAAAABU0/LlrHYS71GHE/s320/arsenicandoldlace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I will offer this sneak peak by revealing that I'm including my absolute favorite Halloween film of all time... Frank Capra's ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944). I decided to also include Halloween standards like James Whale's BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935), and likely a Vincent Price classic like William Castle's HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (1959). I can also tell you I'll be rounding out the series on Halloween day with my contribution to the Hitch Halloween Blogathon, with Alfred Hitchcock's ROPE (1948). For the final list, I plan to choose any classic film of horror genre or something that's simply a ghostly good time. Stay tuned, ghouls and gals!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535698675045986569.post-73776272305158785022013-09-17T20:16:00.004-07:002013-09-17T20:27:02.487-07:00WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogger List of CharactersThe <a href="http://kelleepratt.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-character-blogathon-2013_17.html">WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon</a> is back! And to keep the whacky threesome hosts of Aurora (aka @citizenscreen) of <a href="http://www.aurorasginjoint.com/">Once Upon A Screen</a>, Paula (aka @Paula_Guthat) of <a href="http://www.paulascinemaclub.com/">Paula's Cinema Club</a> and yours truly ... Kellee (aka @IrishJayhawk66) of <a href="http://www.kelleepratt.blogspot.com/">Outspoken &amp; Freckled</a> on track, we have organized a running tally of characters that bloggers have staken claim thus far. Stay tuned as this will be updated as we chug along closer to our BIG blogathon dates of November 9 -11...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2azlWWhtnxk/UjkUvPNXVqI/AAAAAAAABUY/zjJY87x_Cu0/s1600/WAC-banner-2013-rust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2azlWWhtnxk/UjkUvPNXVqI/AAAAAAAABUY/zjJY87x_Cu0/s320/WAC-banner-2013-rust.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>PARTICIPATING BLOGGERS &amp; THEIR CHOSEN CHARACTER ACTORS....</b></u></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(listed alphabetically by character actor)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Edward Arnold<b> – The Girl with the White Parasol</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Irving Bacon – <b>Speakeasy</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Florence Bates – <b>Christy’s Inkwells</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eric Blore – <b>Portraits by Jenni</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ernest Borgnine in <b>Marty</b> – <b>Silver Screenings</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Timothy Carey – <b>Furious Cinema</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane Darwell – Pam on <b>Once Upon a Screen</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harry Davenport – <b>Once Upon a Screen</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joyce Grenfell – <b>Caftan Woman</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugh Herbert – <b>Immortal Ephemera</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sterling Holloway – <b>Sittin’ On a Backyard Fence</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Edward Everett Horton - @GJMaupin </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roscoe Karns – <b>Classic Movie Hub</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse Royce Landis – MaesMusings on <b>Once Upon a Screen</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sheldon Leonard – <b>A Shroud of Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sam Levene – <b>Tales of the Easily Distracted</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peter Lorre – <b>TV’s Fault</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mary MacLaren – <b>I Love Terrible Movies</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tully Marshall – <b>Movies, Silently</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hattie McDaniel – <b>Outspoken &amp; Freckled</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Frank McHugh – <b>Paula’s Cinema Club</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dick Miller – <b>Cinematic Catharsis</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thomas Mitchell – <b>Joel’s Classic Film Passion</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Agnes Moorehead – <b>Movie Star Makeover</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jeanette Nolan – <b>The Last Drive-In</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Edna May Oliver -&nbsp;<b>The “semi” Daily Maine</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gail Patrick -&nbsp;<b>Picture Spoilers</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.618;"><span style="line-height: 1.618;">Jessie Ralph – </span><b style="line-height: 1.618;">The 5 AM Show</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tony Randall -&nbsp;<b>Flick Chicks</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thelma Ritter – <b>Family Friendly Reviews</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">George Sanders – <b>Cindy Bruchman</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joe Sawyer – <b>The Bogie Fim Blog</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stanley Tucci – <b>Paula’s Cinema Club</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hank Worden – <b>Critica Retro</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">?? – <b>Wide Screen World</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Keep 'em coming, bloggers! My co-host Aurora thanks you, my co-host Paula thanks you... and I thank you!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXVnlegr4fs/UjkZgjDcDjI/AAAAAAAABUk/ozQJ7wlPf0Y/s1600/WAC-banner-2013-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXVnlegr4fs/UjkZgjDcDjI/AAAAAAAABUk/ozQJ7wlPf0Y/s320/WAC-banner-2013-green.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />Irish Jayhawkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836268400353447150noreply@blogger.com1